Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Thursday brushed aside a New York Times report which claimed her elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra was running the country via Skype.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presides over a meeting to review the performance last year of the Internal Security Operations Command, and announces the agency’s plans for the coming year at Government House Thursday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
The report said most key decisions made during her time in office were made by the former prime minister, who lives in self-imposed exile abroad.
Asked to comment, Ms Yingluck insisted she is the prime minister and that policy decisions are made by the cabinet under her leadership.
Ms Yingluck insisted she is the real prime minister, that she runs the administration of the country and that policy-level decisions are made by the cabinet under her leadership.
"I am the real prime minister," she told reporters.
She could not stop people from expressing their opinions, but she wanted the criticism to be fair.
Recent polls show the public are happy with her leadership, Ms Yingluck said, adding she would rather let the government’s achievements stand for themselves.
Asked if Thaksin had talked to the cabinet via Skype, Ms Yingluck said people should study news reports analytically.
Using mobile phones during cabinet meetings is not permitted, she said.
Ms Yingluck said what she wants most is moral support, and she believes many people are giving her credit.
Government spokesman Tossaporn Serirak also dismissed the report.
Thaksin had not contacted ministers online during their weekly meetings, he said. All telephone signals are cut during cabinet meetings to prevent information leaks. That meant outside calls could not get through.