Prem continues full backing of Prayut

Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda has once again pledged his full support for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the statesman turns 96 on Friday.

Gen Prem said at his Si Sao Thewes residence on Thursday Gen Prayut, with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon by his side, had his full suport in overcoming all obstacles.

The prime minister on Thursday led cabinet ministers and armed forces leaders to pay the statesman a visit to mark Gen Prem's 96th birthday.

Gen Prayut and Gen Prawit were among the cabinet ministers who talked with the privy council president for 20 minutes after the greetings.

The prime minister said after the meeting that Gen Prem expressed his concern about the situation in the country and encouraged him to solve all problems.

"I can do that. I've never got tired," said Gen Prayut when asked by the privy council president whether he could handle the hard work ahead.

Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda salutes the audiences after his final concert on Wednesday night at the National Theatre. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

Gen Prem, a music enthusiast, has decided to end his public performances on Wednesday.

His concert on Wednesday night at the National Theatre was the last when the public could see him sitting behind the piano and singing on stage.

He said he retired because of his age but added that he would continue to compose songs for others.

Gen Prem, a three-time prime minister in the 1980s, is a highly influential figure in Thai politics. He is well respected by the top brass, who have continued to visit him during Songran and on his birthday every year since he retired in 1980.

His rare public remarks and comments are widely observed and decoded for political clues.