There is widespread support in the Northeast for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to stay in power, 2nd Army Region commander Wichai Chaejorhor said Thursday.
He made the remarks after the premier's trip to Khon Kaen on Wednesday when Gen Prayut reportedly talked about reviving the so-called "mobile cabinet" meetings with a potential nationwide tour.
Lt Gen Wichai said the political conflicts in the Northeast have arisen from fierce competition among groups with different political ideologies trying to win support from locals.
"Isan people easily believe others. They love sincerely and they are loyal to those they love. They are also grateful," he said.
He said many people in the region have expressed their desire to have Gen Prayut, who took power during the May 22, 2014 coup, continue guiding the country forward as it chases national reconciliation and development.
The premier, who also leads the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), has fashioned something of an avuncular image among certain segments of Thai society, who refer to him affectionately as "Uncle Tu".
"They spoke their mind, saying they 'want Uncle Tu to stay on'. And they meant it, I can reassure you of that," said Lt Gen Wichai.
"On many occasions I have had to help them understand the truth and not believe the distorted information being spread in some areas," he said, citing insults to the monarchy and moves to discredit the regime and the NCPO.
The Northeast is a Pheu Thai and red-shirt stronghold.
But Surawit Khonsomboon, a former Pheu Thai MP of Chaiyaphum, countered that view, saying people from Isan only wanted elections to happen soon as they are facing economic problems and need the country to return to normal as soon as possible.
Sakda Kongpetch, a former Pheu Thai MP for Roi Et, said the only way to prove Gen Prayut's popularity is that he runs in the next election.
Meanwhile, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Gen Prayut wants to see more cabinet meetings held in the provinces. In 2015, the cabinet hit the road with meetings in Prachuap Khiri Khan in March and Chiang Mai in June.
The premier's visit this week to the northeastern province and talk of reviving "mobile cabinets" are not aimed at raising his popularity as the NCPO does not plan on running in the general election expected late next year, said Lt Gen Sansern.