Prayuth Promises Reform in Thailand

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha delivers speech during Bangkok Post Forum 2016 at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok, on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Amal Ganesha)

Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is optimistic for the economic future ahead of next year’s general election and reaffirms his “democratic approach” to reform.

Prayuth, who led the 2014 military coup which installed the Thai junta, addressed the Bangkok Post Forum “Moving Thailand Forward” in Bangkok on Wednesday (28/09).

Prayuth rose to power as prime minister after leading the so-called National Council of Peace and Order which overthrew the Yingluck government. Thailand is tipped to head to the polls in a general election next year.

“During the transition period I use a democratic approach, including intensive cabinet meetings. I react positively to journalists’ questions,” Prayuth said.

“Reform can only be made after democracy and human rights are fixed.

“Thailand has lost 10 years of harnessing opportunity, so we’ve been reforming everything in these past two years; structure, grassroots economy, public administration and many others.”

The Prayuth government has established a 20-year national development plan which emphasizes the agricultural reform and the welfare of farmers.

“In 2036, Thailand has to become a donor instead of recipient, each profession in the country should earn enough money, the grassroots economy can leverage the nation and we’ll see good politics and healthy society,” he said.

Prayuth reflected on the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), adding that the regional bloc holds potential for great collaboration.

“We’re friends to every countries as I always encourage foreign investors to come in. We also want to become developed country who always helps our developing neighbors,” he said.

Meanwhile, across town on Wednesday, human rights organization Amnesty International was forced to cancel a press conference regarding human rights abuses in Thailand after police stormed the Bangkok venue.

Reporting by Amal Ganesha in Bangkok for Jakarta Globe