BANGKOK, Feb 10 – Thailand’s Privy Council president and senior statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra attended a function hosted by the government to express gratitude for all sectors in the ongoing flood relief effort and to revive investor confidence in the Thai economy after last year’s flood crisis.
It was the second meeting of Gen Prem and Ms Yingluck after the two met briefly last month at a party to celebrate the 420th anniversary of the establishment of the Thai army.
Their encounter was the highlight of the event.
The Privy Council president and former Thai prime minister between 1980-1988 was heavily criticised by some leaders and supporters of the Red Shirt movement for his alleged role behind the 2006 coup ousting prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, elder brother of Prime Minister Yingluck.
“Rak Mueang Thai, Deon Na Prathet Thai” or “Love Thailand – The Way Forward” event held at Government House Friday evening, was intended to strengthen unity and at the same time, honour all participating sectors in society as well as thanking the staff of the now-closed Flood Relief Operations Command (FROC) for their flood recovery efforts and the rebuilding of confidence in the country.
Privy Councillors, members of the diplomatic corps, military brass, and others from both the public and private sectors were also invited to attend the event. However, members of opposition parties–in particular Democrat Party leader former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva–did not attend the event as he was not officially invited.
Mr Abhisit said he opposed the budget of Bt10 million being spent for the event instead of handing it to flood-stricken people and those who have yet received any assistance.
Furthermore, he said, the public might have felt that the event was held to celebrate the achievement despite the problem in fact remains unsettled.
Minister to PM’s Office Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan brushed aside criticism on the amount money spent for the luxurious event while a large number of flood victims waiting for the assistance and compensation.
Mr Niwattumrong said that the budget spent for the function was not as high as Bt10 million as reported, but he declined to specify the amount. He insisted the budget was reasonable, worthwhile and that the event could revive confidence in Thailand after the massive flood.
He said the function was aimed to convey the message to the international community that Thailand is ready to go forward after it was hard hit by the flood in 2011.
