Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan, the new supreme patriarch, wants the Prayut Chan-o-cha government to "stay mindful" at work and dedicate itself to the country.
The advice was offered to Gen Prayut Tuesday as he led his cabinet members to pay their respects to Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan, formerly known as Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong, at Wat Rajabopit following his appointment as the 20th Supreme Patriarch by His Majesty.
In a short talk between Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan and Gen Prayut, the supreme patriarch said he wants to see the government adopt the Buddha's teachings when carrying out its work with the aim of keeping country orderly and peaceful.
The supreme patriarch's advice will be serve as a guideline for the government's work, Gen Prayut told reporters later at Government House.
He discussed religion and work with the supreme patriarch, said the prime minister, adding he was again awakened to the Buddha's teaching of the worldly conditions of gains and losses as well as fame and obscurity.
In fact, "I have never thought of being in power forever," he said in reference to the idea of impermanence.
However, he said, as long as his government is in power, it will work with care and mindfulness as advised by the supreme patriarch.
Gen Prayut said he raised concerns over morality among Thais with the supreme patriarch.
Some people who say they are Buddhists "forget" moral principles when they are in certain circumstances, he said.
It is the government's duty to make sure state officials and society as a whole are guided by morality when carrying out their work and daily routines, he said.
Society is dealing with many economic and political problems along with a poorly performing education sector, "so we need right attitudes and acts", Gen Prayut said.
