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 GENERAL PREM TINSULANONDA NEWS UPDATES NEW!!! Upon the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 13 October 2016, Prem, at age 96, became regent of Thailand until the coronation of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn as King Rama X on October 4, 2019.
Eternality of General Prem By Ms. Vasana Nanuam Published: by Post Books, Bangkok. 334 Pages
Privy Council President General Prem Greets US President Bush  US President George Bush is greeted on a recent visit to Thailand by Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda who delivered flowers on behalf of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX (as reported in Daily News) Quiet 88th Birthday Gen
Prem said he decided to forego the traditional reception at
his Si Sao Theves residence for well-wishers on his 88th birthday
next Tuesday when top military leaders and senior police officers
usually turn up at his residence to convey birthday greetings. ''The
situation in the country is still not good,'' he was quoted
as telling a military staff officer to notify leaders of the
armed forces. In
addition, the country was busy in preparation for the cremation
ceremonies for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. The source said Gen Prem did not want to be viewed as supporting certain military officers ahead of the upcoming annual military reshuffle. Prem calls on media to bring out truth Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda called on the media to bring out the truth to public and keep the country’s interest at heart. Gen Prem stressed that the public should not work for the benefit of any particular groups. He added that they should know what to do to help restore peace in the country. He also said that Their Majesties the King and Queen are the father and mother of the nation, thus the Thais should think carefully what they should do to repay them. (BangkokPost.com: Aug 9, 2008) Prem worries about conflicts facing the Thais Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda expressed concern about recent clash between People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters and its opponents. He said he does not know much about the detail of the clash, but does not want to see the Thais fighting against each other. “But I’m certain that they (Thais) will join hands when the right time comes,” he said. - (BangkokPost: July 26, 2008) 
Thaksin Shinawatra gives Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda a wai at the funeral rites for the mother of army commander Gen Anupong Paojinda Thursday night. It’s the first time the two have met since Sept 2006. —Bangkok Post - May 30, 2008  Gen Prem gives blessings ahead of Songkran Top military brass, senior police officers and interior ministry staff visited privy council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda on Thursday morning ahead of the Songkran Day holidays. From his Si Sao Tewes residence, Gen Prem gave his blessings and urged all military officials to set up a good example for the public by showing co-operation and learning how to forgive. He also underlined the importance of being true to oneself and to the country and to heed His Majesty the King’s advice. BangkokPost April 10, 2008  Gen. Prem denies any involvement in Sept. 2006 coup Chief royal adviser General Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday dismissed speculation that he was involved in the seizure of power on September 19, 2006. The Nation: March 28, 2008 Gen. Prem praises PM's hard work Privy council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda has praised Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont for all his "hard work and determination" in trying to set the country on the right path towards democracy. Gen Prem also expressed belief that His Majesty the King, who is currently at Siriraj Hospital where he is recovering from medical treatment for a condition known as cerebral ischemia, is concerned about the welfare of all Thais as well as the problems that they face. Gen Prem then spoke about his concern for the country, saying he wished all sides could work together for the sake of the nation. Bangkok Post: Oct 17, 2007 Prem: Referendum vote will clear the political air The country's political landscape will be clear after the constitutional referendum next Sunday, says Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda. Bangkok Post: Aug 12, 2007 Prem may take UDD to court Likely to decide soon on defamation charges WASSANA
NANUAM WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM
Bangkok Post: July 26, 2007 Gen Prem Tinsulanonda is considering whether to take legal action against the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) for defamation, said a source close to the Privy Council president yesterday. The source said Gen Prem was compiling evidence and would soon decide whether or not to file defamation charges against nine key anti-coup figures. His move comes after the UDD staged an anti-coup rally outside Gen Prem's Si Sao Thewes residence on Sunday. The protest culminated in violent clashes between demonstrators and police. The UDD leaders, comprising mostly executives of the People's Television station (PTV) and former members of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai party such as Veera Musikhapong and Jakrapob Penkair, have strongly criticised Gen Prem for allegedly engineering the coup d'etat on Sept 19 last year which toppled the government of Thaksin Shinawatra. They also demanded Gen Prem resign as Privy Council president. ''Gen Prem is still undecided. He is considering whether to sue them [key figures in the UDD] for defamation,'' the source said. ''If Gen Prem decides to proceed against them, he will certainly make the decision known to the public,'' he added. Gen Prem yesterday gave an interview to reporters for the first time since the demonstration on Sunday, after presiding over an event on counter-corruption organised by the Royal Irrigation Department at Amporn Gardens near his Si Sao Thewes residence. Gen Prem said he had not been demoralised by the UDD's criticism of him but he was concerned about the ongoing political problems facing the country and wanted peace to be restored. ''I have been working a lot for the good of the country and I will continue to do so until the last day of my life,'' he said. The source said Gen Prem was not receiving anyone who wanted to give him moral support for the time being, after Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Council for National Security chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin visited him on Monday.
Prem
calls on politicians to put nation first
Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday called on all political groups to sacrifice their own interests for the sake of national reconciliation and stop blaming each other for the country's problems.---Ref. Bangkok Post: May 18, 2007  Prem: Protestors know limits and have Thailand's interest at heart PM Surayud Chulanont & General Prem at the Army Club on March 24, 2007 Ref. Bangkok Post: March 25, 2007 Prem says good leadership should have moral integrity SIRIKUL BUNNAG Leaders and company executives who overlook principles of moral integrity could cause damage to society as a whole, Privy Council president and statesman Prem Tinsulanonda said. He was speaking yesterday at a seminar on morality also attended by Privy Councillor Kasem Wattanachai and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. Gen Prem urged everyone to recognise the significance of morality and spread the word as often as possible. People should set a good example for children to follow and be brave enough to come forward to distinguish good deeds from bad, he said. ''Currently, we have been talking only of globalisation and nanotechnology, and how to make use of them to enhance human comfort and maximise profits at the expense of moral development,'' he said. (Bangkok Post: Jan. 27, 2007) Ethics in Public Administration On-line book by General Prem Prem tells cavalry to build peace Commanders pledge to carry out their duty WASSANA NANUAM Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday called on cavalry commanders to restore peace in the country and be single-minded in their resolve. Himself a cavalry man, Gen Prem made the call to 84 commanders who converged on his Si Sao Teves residence for traditional New Year wishes and blessings. ''The present situation is tough,'' he said. ''But it's a good opportunity for us to show that we are soldiers of the nation, of His Majesty the King, that we will not deflect or stand by idly, that we will do everything to bring peace and happiness to the country,'' he said. ''That sacrifice of everything to show gratitude to the motherland is a New Year joy that soldiers will bring to the people, for the people and His Majesty the King,'' Gen Prem added. Supreme Command chief-of-staff Gen Songkitti Chakkrabat led the cavalry commanders from across the country in commending Gen Prem for his sacrifices and in pledging that they would carry out their duties for the nation. The group included former classmates of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School who have been transferred to non-command posts. Among them are Lt-Gen Sanit Prommas, former commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment who is now a special adviser to the defence permanent secretary's office. Also in the group was Lt-Gen Pirun Phaewpolsong, a special adviser to the Office of the Supreme Commander (OSC) who earlier was deputy commander of the OSC's Armed Forces Security Centre. Prem said he was not as happy this year as in other years because the situation in the country was not normal. He added that 2007 will be a tougher year for all military men as they have to help keep peace in the country as well as carry out their normal duties of protecting national sovereignty and the monarchy, and engaging in development work. In private conversations with a few cavalry commanders later, Gen Prem also urged them to do everything in their power to protect the people and the country, a source close to him said. Gen Prem visited all the armed forces and made keynote speeches during the months of tension which culminated in the coup d'etat of Sept 19, which overthrew the Thaksin government. Meanwhile, Gen Prem's secretary, Vice-Admiral Pachun Tampratheep, said Gen Prem remained on good terms with former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who has been critical of the Council for National Security (CNS) and the interim government of Gen Surayud Chulanont. ''Lately, they have talked over the phone more often as they have something to discuss in their collaboration for the country,'' Gen Prem's secretary said. ''But as to what they discussed, that is their affair,'' added Vice-Adm Pachun. The two former prime ministers have worked closely on national issues for a long time, he said. Vice-Adm Pachun said it was natural that his boss did not want military colleagues to develop any conflict. However, he said, ''I can't confirm if Gen Prem has talked to Gen Chavalit about his differences with the CNS. Only the two of them know what issues they've discussed.'' The vice-admiral said that as far as he knew there was no conflict between Gen Chavalit and the CNS. ''It was news reports that led to misunderstanding,'' he said Prem
blasts bombers as low lifes
Privy
Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday denounced those
behind the New Year's Eve bombings which took the lives of innocent
civilians.
Gen Prem yesterday broke his silence about the eight city bomb blasts in front of leading armed forces and police authorities, provincial governors, local leaders and businessmen who visited his residence in this northeastern province to pay their New Year respects. The former prime minister criticised the bombers for causing damage to the country to advance their own interests and those of their cronies. ''They are low-life people because they could kill three people they never knew,'' he said. ''If they do not like the government, the CNS [Council for National Security] or me, they should go after the right targets, not innocent people. ''Those bombers are crazy,'' he said. The blasts also injured 42 and so far no one has claimed responsibility. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and CNS leaders doubt southern insurgents were the masterminds. Their main suspects are people linked to politicians who lost power and want to discredit the coup-makers and the government. Gen Prem called on provincial governors and opinion leaders in local areas, including monks and teachers, to use their positions to help local people understand the intentions of the bombers and efforts of the government to protect the national interest. Bangkok Post Jan 7, 2007 PREM
SPEAKS AT NCCC's ANNIVERSARY
Graft busters warned to be 'wary of women' Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda has warned the members of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) about being tricked by money and women into betraying their integrity. Women were being used as a tool to lure some commissioners into negligence of duty when they came to considering the cases of some corrupt politicians or senior officials, Gen Prem said. Bangkok Post - Nov. 18, 2006 Prem
likens 'selfless' Surayud to Churchill
Prime
minister was willing to step in and take up the running of
the country at a 'critical moment in its history' Privy Council
Presi-dent Prem Tinsula-nonda yesterday likened Prime Minister
Surayud Chulanont to Britain's wartime premier and statesman
Winston Churchill for selflessly taking up the leadership
challenge under trying times. "Churchill
spoke about sacrifice that showed that he had to sacrifice
for the country. Surayud is like Churchill in becoming the
prime minister without any design but doing it for the country,"
Prem said. Political leadership should be about suppressing
self-interest rather than amassing power to satisfy greed
and temptation, said the chief adviser to His Majesty the
King, drawing on the experience of Churchill. "Churchill
is the embodiment of sacrifice as he was tasked to lead England
during World War II," Prem said. Dire circumstances saw
Churchill taking up the prime minister's mantle, while Surayud
was appointed premier amid the despair of social division."I
believe both Churchill and Surayud did not expect to assume
power but were willing to serve the motherland," he said. World
War II broke out because no more than 10 people were obsessed
with power and tried to conquer the world, he said, quoting
Churchill. While here, turmoil erupted because of runaway
power. He was speaking on the topic of political development
and reconciliation at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology
Lat Krabang. Prem
touched on the characteristics of a national leader, saying
he must maintain high morals, understand public problems and
know how to solve them, persevere with an athlete's spirit
and not allow himself to succumb to power and avarice. "Leaders
must not be obsessed with power and cling to it. They must
know the word 'enough' and appreciate the King's sufficiency
economy philosophy. All these qualities of good leaders will
unify the nation." He
reiterated he was confident Phra Siam Thewathirat, the Guardian
Spirit, was watching over the country."Phra Siam Thewathirat
will curse bad people to their end and to meet grievous suffering
for the rest of their lives," he said. "It's
inevitable for any leaders to lose power one day"
Gen. Prem to Khunying Pojaman Nation: Oct. 26, 2006 Meechai
'ace legal expert' WASSANA NANUAM, Bangkok Post, Oct. 25, 2006 Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda said Mr Meechai Ruchupan was an ''ace legal expert'' and honourable person who would be a ''good president'' of the NLA. Prem
supports revival of two southern agencies dissolved by previous
government
Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda Tuesday voiced support for the government's plan to revive two agencies in charge of tacking southern violence, which were dissolved by the previous government. Prem said the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre and the joint Civilian-Police-Military Command 43 were two agencies, which were working well in solving the southern problem. The dissolution of the two agencies was blamed for the resurging of violence in the deep South. Prem said if the government adapts the two agencies to fit with the current situation, they should be able to tackle the problem. The Nation: Oct 24, 2006 "Phra
Sayam Thewathirat always protects good people and condemns bad
people" WASSANA NANUAM Oct. 5, 2006 Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday obliquely likened the ousted former prime minister to Adolf Hitler when he issued a stern warning against exploitation of national resources for personal benefit. In a lecture to medical students at Chulalongkorn Hospital, he emphasised the importance of national unity. ''World War Two occurred because of Adolf Hitler and only a few syndicates who were holding on to power to rule the world. Our country also has such people,'' he said. ''But the nation is sacred. People who think of using it for personal or group benefits will end in misery because Phra Sayam Thewathirat [the country's guardian spirit] always protects good people and condemns bad people to ceaseless suffering,'' he said.  King and Queen grant audience to Gen. Prem and leaders of the CDRM Their Majesties the King and Queen grant an audience to leaders of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy, which is led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, on Wednesday. Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda is seated with his back to the camera. --- Royal Household Photo - 9/21/06 Prem
won't meet anti-Thaksin group leaders WASSANA NANUAM Sept. 6, 2006 Privy
Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda will not be receiving
the People's Alliance for Democracy and an anti-Thaksin network
led by Sungsidh Piriyarangsan at his residence on Saturday,
Gen Prem's secretary, Vice Admiral Pachun Tampratheep, said
yesterday.
He said Gen Prem does not need any encouragement from the PAD or the network. Vice Adm Pachun said Gen Prem will be busy on Saturday. The elder statesman also will not accept personally a letter of support from the groups because doing so would be inappropriate for him, given his status as Privy Council president. According to Vice Adm Pachun, Gen Prem said he already had plenty of moral support and did not need any more. Prem
given more 'evidence of interference'
WASSANA NANUAM Sept. 2, 2006
Two
of the four senior military officers facing investigation
after they petitioned Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda
against alleged political meddling in this year's military
reshuffle submitted additional documents to Gen Prem yesterday.
The two who called on Gen Prem yesterday were Air Vice-Marshal
Prasit Tananakin and AVM Surakit Jantasen. The other two petitioners
are Lt-Gen Witsanu Prayunsorn and Rear Adm Itthichai Sripan.
AVM Prasit said the documents submitted to Gen Prem yesterday contained the opinions of former election commissioners, academics and legal experts, all of whom agreed that once a royal decree calling a general election took effect, the caretaker government must consult the Election Commission (EC) prior to ordering appointments or transfers of senior state officials, including military officers, in an annual reshuffle. He said the government should heed the opinions of these legal experts, adding that he did not want to see this year's military reshuffle run into trouble like what happened to the government's bid to privatise the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, which was subsequently nullified by the Administrative Court. However, caretaker Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya yesterday said there was a cabinet resolution which exempted the reshuffle of senior military officers and public prosecutors from being subject to prior consultation with the EC. AVM Prasit also said the petition submitted to Gen Prem was a personal plea for the elder statesman to help stop political meddling. It was not a formal petition, he said. Gen Thammarak on Thursday ordered a disciplinary investigation of the four senior officers, accusing them of bypassing normal military procedure for petitioning against a superior officer outside their agency. AVM Prasit also denied that Bannawit Kengrian, deputy defence permanent secretary, was behind the move to petition Gen Prem for help. Adm Bannawit is a contender for the post of defence permanent secretary soon to be vacated by Gen Sirichai Tunyasiri. Prem:
Disasters will befall the ill-intentioned WASSANA NANUAM Sept. 1, 2006 Disasters always befall people with ill intentions of exploiting the nation for their own benefit, Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda said yesterday. He made the remarks to conclude a 40-minute lecture at the Air Force Academy attended by a 640-strong audience including senior air force officers. ''The
nation is sacred. People who think about using it for personal
benefit or group benefits will be met with misfortune,'' said
the elder statesman. ''Phra
Sayam Thewathirat (the nation's guardian spirit) always protects
good people and condemns bad people to a life of suffering,''
Gen Prem said. The
remarks, shown on a projector screen, were seen as a curse on
bad people. That they were put into writing was thought to add
to the effect. In
his lecture, Gen Prem recited well-known remarks of His Majesty
the King and urged his audience to heed them. One of them was
the royal advice in 1969 on supporting good people and keeping
bad people from rising to power: ''There are both good and bad
people in our country. No one can make everyone a good person.
Keeping the country in peace and order is not about making everyone
good, but about having good people govern and preventing bad people
from rising to power and causing trouble.'' Gen
Prem noted that paying respect to bad people was more dangerous
than ignoring good people. ''There are more dangers in paying
respect to bad people because it means we're part of their bad
conduct,'' he said. Gen
Prem also recalled the royal advice on honesty and avirodhana,
or adherence to righteousness _ the 10th duty of Dasa Rajadhamma
(10 duties of leaders), which served as a foundation for all good
conduct. He
also emphasised his earlier message that one should not kowtow
to anyone simply because they were rich. ''We should consider
how they have amassed wealth and if it is through moral means
or corrupt means. We distinguish who we should respect and who
to avoid,'' he said. The
topic of ethics and morality has dominated his lectures given
previously to the army, and at the Naval Academy and the Chulachomklao
Royal Military Academy. He said he always discussed the matter
of professional soldiers because he wanted to make sure that soldiers
understood their roles and duties. Gen Prem was yesterday accompanied by former supreme commander Gen Mongkol Ampornpisit and two former air force chiefs ACM Paniang Kantarat and ACM Kan Pimarnthip. Prem won't be drawn on 'saving PM's life' WASSANA NANUAM
Aug
26, 2006
.
Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday refused to be drawn over the suggestion by a group of 100 ''grassroots'' people that he could help save the life of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Gen Prem said he was not disturbed by the group's call. ''I'll hold on to the dharma principle that we shouldn't bother to react to any false story. It's because I haven't done anything wrong. And I've never planned to do anything bad. Sometimes, we just have to tolerate things and remain indifferent,'' he said. A source at Gen Prem's residence said the group of 100 people who claimed to be Mr Thaksin's grassroots sympathisers yesterday seemed to try to link Gen Prem with the recent alleged bomb plot near Mr Thaksin's residence. ''They apparently tried to draw Gen Prem into the dispute,'' said the source. It is Gen Prem's 86th birthday today. As usual, he opened his residence yesterday to welcome well-wishers - mostly leading military and police figures. The group that called itself the Grassroots Group arrived at his residence in 10 mini-buses. They handed a letter addressed to Gen Prem to his secretary, Pachun Tampratheep, asking Gen Prem to help save Mr Thaksin's life and bring peace to society. Most in the group were men seemingly under the influence of alcohol. Vice-Admiral Pachun said he wondered why they came to give the letter to Gen Prem. ''What do they want? Is there any hidden agenda? I expect these people won't even remember who brought them here after they sober up,'' he said. Addressing top military officials who came to wish him a happy birthday, Gen Prem said leaders must live a life that set a good example for their followers. Leaders must foster harmony and unity among the people they lead. ''I say this because I think it's time to warn you guys,'' Gen Prem told the group led by caretaker Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya. National police chief Kowit Wattana also led senior police officials to visit Gen Prem yesterday. Gen Prem said police are entrusted with the vital duty of protecting the country from vice. At the same time, they must ensure justice Prem pours scorn on money politics Academics urge focus on 'crisis of ethics' WASSANA NANUAM & AMPA SANTIMATANEDOL Bangkok Post: Aug. 19, 2006 Privy
Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday poured scorn
on money politics, saying leaders won't be able to solve national
problems unless they set their hearts on the task. The
elder statesman mentioned no names in his speech to open a seminar
marking the 58th anniversary of Chulalongkorn University's faculty
of political science. Gen
Prem cited poverty across the country and violence in the deep
South as problems that could not be solved without love and
dedication. "To
solve national problems, especially difficult ones such as poverty
and unrest in the three southern border provinces, if we have
neither love nor goodwill for the poor, and neither love nor
goodwill for people in the three southern border provinces,
but only use money and what is stylishly called 'strategies',
it will be hard to succeed," said Gen Prem, a former army
chief and prime minister, as he outlined what he called the
nine paths toward successful leadership. The
other "paths" he mentioned included adherence to a
single standard of lawfulness and legitimacy, application of
Buddhist principles, observance of Thai identity, and a broad-minded
attitude to what is fair and just. Gen
Prem also stressed the need for leaders to be righteous, ethical
and honest. They also must make sacrifices, believe in loyalty,
and do good deeds for their motherland. Prem, army chief visit far South (TNA) Bangkok
Post: Aug. 14, 2006
PATTANI - Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda led a delegation of senior officials to visit the insurgency-plagued region on Monday to make merit and meet local authorities and religious leaders as violence continues unabated in the region. Accompanied by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who has recently been assigned to oversee the security operations in the violence-torn area, Gen. Prem is scheduled to make merit to mark the 60th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne through cash donations to 10 temples and mosques in the three southern border provinces as well as Satun and Songkhla provinces. Prem
leads army top brass in show of unity
Officers celebrate anniversary of school; interference in reshuffle list By Wassana Nanuam Bangkok
Post: Aug. 6, 2006 Prem slams 'unethical leaders' Soldiers again warned where their loyalty lies By WASSANA NANUAM Bangkok Post: July 29, 2006 Unethical
leaders should have no place in Thailand, Privy Council president
Gen Prem Tinsulanonda said yesterday. During
a special lecture given to 350 naval cadets and some high-ranking
navy officers at the Naval Academy in Samut Prakan yesterday,
Gen Prem said it is important for national leaders to have
ethics and morals. "Only
good people have ethics and morals. Bad people don't. People
who work in public office or those who are commanders and
leaders, in particular, must embrace ethics and morality otherwise
things will collapse. There will be corruption, favouritism,
nepotism and greed if leaders lack ethics and morals. "Individuals
who have no ethics and morals are bad people who are full
of greed. They may want to live comfortably with a lot of
money. But if they have acquired wealth through illegal or
unethical means, they no longer deserve to be in this country,"
said Gen Prem, a former prime minister. He
also reminded the navy officers that they "belong to"
His Majesty the King and the country, and not to the government.
Their foremost loyalty should always lie with the country
and the King. "In
my lecture to army cadets two weeks ago, I told them about
who owns the soldiers. This time, I have to make it clear
again that we soldiers belong to the country and to the King.
A government supervises soldiers in compliance with the policy
declared to parliament only," said Gen Prem, adding that
he was referring to a government in general. In
his special lecture to some 950 cadets of the Chulachomklao
Royal Military Academy at Khao Cha-ngoke, Nakhon Nayok province,
on July 14, Gen Prem touched on the issue of where the loyalty
of military officers should lay. He likened the government
to a jockey and soldiers to horses, saying jockeys come and
go, but the owner of the horses stays the same. Gen
Prem was accompanied to the Naval Academy by three former
chiefs of the navy - Adm Chumphon Patjusanon, now also a privy
councillor, Adm Prasert Bunsong and Adm Prajet Siridej. "Some
social values are wrong. For example, people respect those
who have money without caring whether they have acquired it
through ethical means or not. We should not wai individuals
who make money illegally. Samlor (tricycle) and taxi drivers
are more respectable than those individuals," he said. Gen
Prem urged the navy officers to follow the good examples of
Adm Chumphon, Adm Prasert and Adm Prajet - professional soldiers
who kept their distance from politics. He
also quoted US Gen Douglas MacArthur's famous line, "Old
soldiers never die," to remind the officers that they
should strive to be professional soldiers. A source said Gen Prem was invited by the three armed forces to give his special lectures. A lecture to air force officers is scheduled for next month. Troops 'belong to King' Privy Council chairman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday likened the government to a jockey and soldiers to horses, saying the jockeys come and go, but the owner of the horses stays the same. In a special lecture to around 950 cadets at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA) in Khao Cha-ngoke, Nakhon Nayok, Gen Prem said the soldiers belonged to His Majesty the King, not a government. General
Prem rejects NRC proposal of 2nd Language
Pattani — Privy Council chairman General Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday rejected the National Reconciliation Commission's proposal that Yawi, or Malayu, be used as a second official language in the three southern most provinces as part of a wider strategy to bring peace to the region. Prem
urges Thais to adopt self-sufficiency economy as advised by His
Majesty
Privy
Council Chairman General Prem Tinsulanonda Friday urged all sides
to apply the lessons of His Majesty the King's speeches, especially
on the self-sufficiency economy, to solve the country's poverty. Prem
gave a speech at a seminar hosted by the Foundation for International
Human Resource Development on the creation of a learning society
according to His Majesty the King's initiatives and his self-sufficiency
philosophy. Now
people had turned to and become confident in this theory, which
had never been out-of-date and would remain applicable in the
future, he said. "Even
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who conferred the
Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award on His Majesty on
May 26, said at the Foreign Affairs Ministry that if human development
meant to prioritise people, nothing was greater than development
according to His Majesty's guideline," he added. As
the country's greatest problem was poverty, using the self-sufficiency
economy theory would help solve it, said Prem. Prem
urges national unity
Thailand's
senior statesman and Privy Council president, General Prem Tinsulanond
on Friday urged all parties to make peace with one another and
use the traditional Thai New Year to turn to each other for
national harmony. Prem
won't meet top brass (Songkron 2006)
Statesman
and Privy Council chief Gen Prem Tinsulanonda will keep his
Si Sao Theves residence closed even to top military leaders
during this year's Songkran festival, a source said yesterday. Gen
Prem will return to his home province of Songkhla on April 12-13
to pay his respects to his late parents and ancestors. "Given
the current political situation, Gen Prem thinks it would be
improper to open his residence. Politics is in a state of chaos,"
said the source. According to the source, Gen Prem is concerned
that his speech, usually made during the traditional meeting,
might be exploited. "And military leaders' neutrality is
being questioned. First they were okay, but now they're not
quite politically neutral," said the source. Over
the past few years, Gen Prem opened his residence to a limited
group of 30 people due to health reasons. Prior to that, Gen
Prem accepted hundreds of military officers who turned up to
offer him their best wishes for Songkran, the traditional Thai
new year WASSANA NANUAM, Bangkok Post. Prem optimistic on near future Statesman
and President of the Privy Council Gen. Prem Tinsulanond believes
the country's political situation now will begin to improve.
Responding to journalists' question whether he viewed the country's
political situation would improve from now on, Gen. Prem, who
is also a former prime minister, said briefly: "I think
so." He
also expressed his optimism that peaceful order would return
to the Thai society in time for state and royal events to be
organised in June to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty
the King's ascension to the throne, and asked journalists to
play their role in helping bring peace and order back to the
society. "I
pray for that. You all should also help restore peaceful order
in the society in time for the auspicious events," the
head of the Privy Council told journalists. Gen. Prem's remarks followed caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin's decision to step down from office Tuesday evening. General Prem casts his vote in advance On Saturday March 25, 2006 Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda cast his vote in advance for the April 2, 2006 snap election. He also urged voters to go and exercise their voting right. Put the Nation first, says Prem Gen. Prem urges people to instil ethics in youngsters Prem: City must care for its poor Prem: Choose role models carefully Prem: Good leadership requires ethics, morality Prem: Heed my words on peace Former prime minister calls for unity at Pattani ceremony, as five killed in ongoing violence Prem joins the fight to tame rebels Statesman and Privy Council chairman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda will today join together with public organisations in the restive far South to declare their intention to fight the insurgency in a bid to bring back peace to the region. Prem urges army to restore peace Statesman and Privy Council chairman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda has urged the military to do its best to bring peace back to the South and to stay out of politics. He also lauded the police for their improved performance during the tenure of national police commissioner Pol Gen Kowit Wattana. Prem: Social sanctions needed on the corrupt Statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday revived the King's famous quote reminding people to stick to moral principles, and suggested weeding out the ''bad eggs'' responsible for deep-rooted corruption. Doing good deeds in a society filled with wealth-oriented values is very hard to achieve, Gen Prem said. Follow His Majesty's advice, public urged Statesman Prem Tinsulanonda has once again hammered home his plea for the nation to follow His Majesty the King's call for Thais to help save their country from falling into the hands of bad people.---By WASSANA NANUAM, Bangkok Post, August 9, 2005 Prem urges orphans from far South not to lose hope Privy Council chairman and statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda has advised Muslim orphans in the deep South to come to terms with the deaths of their parents, stay focused on their studies and learn the Thai language so as to instil in themselves a love for their country. ---By WASSANA NANUAM, Bangkok Post, July 30, 2005. Prem urges govt to keep conscience Statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda has pleaded with the government to keep a clear conscience, saying it is not genuinely committed to good governance if it merely observes the law but still flouts ethical and moral principles.---By Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, July 10, 2005 "Please help keep the military dignified and respectable. As long as the military is reputable, our country will be full of love and unity." --- General Prem Tinsulanonda talking to Thai military leaders during Songkron 2005  March 1, 2005. Thai Prime Minister Taksin (left) meets with General Prem Tinsulanonda, the Privy Council Chairman, at his Sisao Theves residence recently to discuss His Majesty The King's suggestions for solving trouble in the South General Prem's 83rd Birthday Concert 
New Album by General Prem VN-Thailand ties to cement regional peace and stability Prem Tinsulanonda Expose the 'traitors' in drug trade, says Prem Prem Elevated to President of the Thai Privy Council Gen Prem donates B6m, composes for homeless |
