Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday insisted he has no intention of clinging on to power, saying elections will be held if the constitution is approved.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha delivers a speech to showcase the government’s achievements over the past six months at Government House yesterday. Speakers, from left to right, are PM’s Office Minister Suwapan Tanyuwattana, deputy prime ministers Yongyuth Yuthavong, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula and Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
He was speaking at an event held to discuss the government's six-monthly performance at Government House yesterday. His address was also broadcast live on Channel 11.
Gen Prayut said the country's problems have been gradually reduced, and although there has been criticism of him, he never feels depressed.
His powers are used for the country, and once the constitution is pushed through, an election will be held, he said, adding that he does not want to stay in power for long.
The government's work, meanwhile, must not create a burden for future administrations, Gen Prayut said.
Speaking about the economic prospects, the prime minister said the government has rolled out stimulus measures to energise the economy in the short term and sped up budget disbursement.
These actions have contributed to an increase in the consumer price index and the expansion of the industrial sector, he said, citing information from the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Gen Prayut said foreigners now understand the Thai political situation more following a series of explanations.
The premier said no political system can bring about peace in a country unless people understand their rights, freedoms and duties.
He insisted people cannot enjoy unlimited freedom if there is to be peace in Thailand.
Laws have not been enacted to violate anyone's rights, he said. The press must not only write about freedom, but should pay attention to ethics.
"The more you criticise me, the more I will work," Gen Prayut said, adding that law enforcement will be toughened and anything which needs reform must be overhauled. Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong, also overseeing social affairs, said the government's goals on social issues have been achieved in the past six months.
Successful outcomes include the reduction of social disparities and the tackling of human trafficking. The government's performance on these issues has been outstanding, he said.
The government has also set up a committee on education policy and development to enhance learning skills for six- to eight-year-olds, he said.
Tasks ahead include the establishment of a new organisation to help facilitate information exchange among the three healthcare schemes — Universal Healthcare, the Social Security Fund and Civil Servant Healthcare.
According to Mr Yongyuth, the government has excelled in its work to move the country forward, foster reconciliation and thwart corruption.
Speaking about the government's anti-graft work, PM's Office Minister Suwapan Tanyuwattana said an anti-graft steering committee has been set up to deal with it.
