Props to Thailand’s snooziest coup-maker for just being there: former PM

The former speaker of the house expressed his support of the retired general who has been asleep in parliament ever since he helped stage a coup d’etat in 2014.

Chuan Leekpai, who also served twice as prime minister, said Gen. Prawit “Big Pom” Wongsuwan, roundly mocked for snoozing through the new parliament’s first session this week, wasn’t a big deal and the 77 year old should get credit for being physically there for the entire session.

After the Thai internet collectively laughed and shook its head Tuesday at the latest legislative nap taken by the infamously drowsy Prawit, Chuan said it didn’t matter whether the former junta No. 2 and current military proxy party head fell asleep or was just resting his face.

During a Wednesday interview on his prospects for the premiership, Prawit denied falling asleep.

“Well, who would go to sleep? Who would go to sleep? That’s how I’ve always been sitting like this all along. I’ve never slept. I immediately got up and left as soon as the session ended,” he said.

He might have gotten a free pass had it been the first time the man with a million baller watches had fallen asleep conducting the people’s business. Far from it.

Serial snoozer turned acting PM naps through Krabi meeting

Rumors have circulated about Prawit’s health for many years. 

Responding to the public’s shared SMH moment, members of the military-backed government rushed to Prawit’s defense. Deputy prime minister assistant spokesperson Lt. Gen. Patchasak Pataripanon blasted the circulation of the image, insisting that Prawit raised his head not that long after he raised it. 

Tuesday’s session, the first convened since the May general election, saw the installation of Wan Muhamad Noor Matha as the new house speaker. The 79-year-old veteran leader of the Prachachat Party has long led an influential block of southern politicians.

“I will perform my duty with political neutrality,” Wan Noor said after being voted in. “I will perform my duty with transparency, honesty, and I will fully comply with the constitution and the rules of the parliament.”