Thai Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha Say’s his Military Government will Remain Well into 2017

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BANGKOK – Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha reiterated Friday night that his government would remain in the office until July 2017 after which he will hand the baton to a new government, failing to mention if it was going to be an elected Government or a military appointed one.

After the handover of power to the new government in mid-2017, he said people should take a look what will happen in the next 20 years – what reforms will take place and whether they will go in line with the road-map.

But as far as his government is concerned, the prime minister stressed the need for his government to draw up a blueprint for the country to ensure foreign confidence in the country.

The prime minister called on all stakeholders to join the government in its efforts to resolve national problems, to restore reconciliation and to bring about prosperity to the country.

Meanwhile the has Khaosod reported that Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would not be able to guarantee the safety of university lecturers who continue to criticize his military regime.

His comment came as six academics reported to police to hear charges of violating the junta’s ban on political activities for organizing a news conference last month at which they asked Gen. Prayuth’s government to respect freedom of speech.

“If they want to engage in activism or whatever, it’s up to them. If they aren’t afraid of the laws, it’s up to them. I don’t know about them. If the people want to join them, and then get in trouble for it, it’s up to them.” Gen. Prayuth said at Government House on Tuesday. “And if someone finds a gun and shoot them, or throws grenades at them, well, they have to live with that. If they aren’t afraid, it’s up to them.”

He quickly added that he was not personally threatening them.

“But it wouldn’t be me, because I would never do such a thing,” Prayuth said