By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A RARE, SPONTANEOUS remark made by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan during today’s (July 20) censure debate instantly sent most MPs bursting into laughter.
Prawit rose to his feet on a raised platform in the parliament chamber to not only deny that he was in any way involved in the 2014 coup but turn his head to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seated next to him, saying out loud the latter was the one who did stage the coup.
“I definitely never got myself involved in the coup. Only this person was involved,” said the straight-faced Prawit, turning to Prayut who was apparently caught off-guard, embarrassed and smirked.
Prawit’s unsolicited comment immediately sent most MPs on both sides of the chamber’s aisle in an otherwise monotonous atmosphere bursting into laughter with some also clapping their hands in sheer amusement.
Prawit, who concurrently performs as top leader of largest coalition partner Palang Pracharath Party, was responding to a conclusion mistakenly made by a Pheu Thai MP during today’s censure debate that he was involved in the coup, orchestrated by the then-army chief Prayut to depose an elected government under premiership of Yingluck Shinawatra.
Neither was Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda involved in the coup, either, Prawit told the MPs.
Many government critics and media members call the trio of retired army generals “Sam Por” or the Three Ps who share the initials of their names including Anupong’s nickname Pok.
Prawit, Anupong and Prayut who have virtually maintained mutually fraternal relationships beyond their shared army careers are all former army chiefs who had taken turns to assume the powerful military post during different periods of time respectively over the last few decades.
Prawit and Anupong were nowhere in government when Prayut headed a coup junta eight years ago.
CAPTION:
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan making his comment that greatly amused MPs today (July 20) with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seated next to him. Photos: Naewna
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