Prayut demands peace and quiet

Another round of "invitations" is underway to outspoken government critics as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha acts quickly to curb comments that he believes could lead to political conflict.

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Obviously displeased with what he was hearing, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha takes questions from reporters at Government House after Tuesday's cabinet meeting. THITI WANNAMONTHA

Prayut seeks to snuff out coup opposition revival

PM threatens new wave of summonses

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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has again threatened to summon anyone making comments that stir up political conflict, in a move aimed at discouraging a revival of anti-coup sentiments. 

Gen Prayut was speaking Thursday after politicians, especially from Pheu Thai, were summoned for criticising the government after the visit on Monday by US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russel.

During his visit Mr Russel denounced the continued enforcement of martial law and the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Shortly after the May 22 coup, politicians, protest leaders and other notable figures were summoned and taken to military camps where they were held for "attitude adjustment" over several days before being released.

If the prime minister carries out the threat this would be the second time the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief has taken this measure to quell anti-coup elements who have maintained a low profile following the coup.

Gen Prayut said he has issued orders stating that people who make remarks that damage the country will be "invited" in for discussions. "The invitations are not intended to put pressure on them, but to make them understand," he said.

Affected this week by orders from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to stop public discussions of "sensitive topics" including press freedom and the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra were former Pheu Thai MPs and ministers Singthong Buachum (top, left) Chaturon Chaisaeng and Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Thaksin Shinawatra's son Panthongtae, and Thai and German NGO press-freedom groups.

Chaturon Chaisaeng, a former deputy prime minister in the Thaksin Shinawatra era, was told by a military officer to report to the army on Thursday. Similar calls for "attitude reaction" went to former Pheu Thai MP Singthong Buachum and former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

On Monday, Thaksin's son Panthongtae, better known as Oak, received a public warning by Royal Thai Army commander Gen Udomdej Sitabutr — but no detention — after he made "problematic comments" about the impeachment of his aunt, former prime minister Yingluck, on his Instagram page.

The prime minister said despite martial law, the government and the NCPO's authority has been challenged. The government has been too lenient so far, he added.

Asked about penalties for those who may be called in for a second attitude adjustment and still fail to cooperate, he said they could face a ban on travelling abroad, or have their bank accounts frozen.

Gen Prayut seemed annoyed while answering questions from reporters.

He denied another round of summonses would cause public unease.

"Who feels uncomfortable? Why not ask the poor? We held a meeting today to solve the plight of the poor. We did not discuss power. I am not intoxicated with power," he said.

He also said reporters who repeatedly ask questions that are not constructive may also be "invited" for discussions.

You can read the full story here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/461793/prayut-seeks-to-snuff-out-coup-opposition-revival

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