Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda on Monday praised Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for leading the May 22 coup, terming it a national rescue and a military duty.
Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, right, welcomes the delegation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, centre, at his residence in Bangkok on Monday. (Photo by Wassana Nanuam)
Receiving New Year wishes from Gen Prayut, cabinet ministers and armed forces chiefs at his Sisao Thewes residence in Bangkok, Gen Prem praised the May 22 coup, which he said showed the unity of the military and their necessary contribution to the national interest when the situation called for it.
Gen Prem said when the nation is in crisis soldiers have to take action to protect it, as they have vowed to do, and that the people supported their actions.
Prime Minister Prayut, his government and the National Council for Peace and Order had already proved that the military could take care of the nation and maintain national order, the privy council president said.
He encouraged the prime minister to proceed with courage because, he said, soldiers would never abandon the people.
Gen Prem said he knew the people in the delegation were tired, but he believed they were devoting themselves to the national interest and to His Majesty the King. He urged the armed forces and all other parties to give the government their moral support.