Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha has come up with a novel way to deal with politicians who have been summoned for “attitude adjustment” several times but still fail to cooperate — “training sessions.”
Prayuth said he will no longer tolerate politicians who have repeatedly defied the government. His comments come after a fresh round of political detentions with two Pheu Thai Party figures “invited” for attitude adjustment following criticism of the junta.
He said the government wants to ask them if they understand what the military regime is doing and if they cannot think for themselves, they should no longer be politicians.
“Training sessions” will be held to provide them with proper knowledge to correct their attitude while those who commit any legal offences will be handled according to legal procedures, Prayuth said.
“From now on, those who are summoned must attend a training session to improve their understanding. They will also be asked about what they did in the past — right or wrong — and what they plan to do if they form a government,” Prayuth said.
“They may not listen, but the government still has to explain these things to them and cannot let them criticise it. Personally, I cannot accept the fact that they still keep criticising,” Prayuth added.
Worachai Hema, a former Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan, and Watana Muangsook, a core member of the Pheu Thai Party and former social development and human security minister in the Thaksin Shinawatra government, were detained on Saturday and Monday respectively, reported the Bangkok Post.
Worachai was taken from his home in Samut Prakan province to the 11th Army Circle after writing on his Facebook page that Gen Prayuth should resign if the new draft charter fails to pass a public referendum.
On his Facebook page, Watana posted a comment strongly criticising the National Council for Peace and Order over the detention of Worachai.
The training sessions could be up to three, five or seven days, according to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
