Junta leader threatens to sue anyone criticising govt for mishandling economy

The Thai junta leader has said that anyone blaming the government for the economic slump will be sued while his Deputy said that the people will not be happy without the junta premier.   

The BBC Thai reported that on Monday, 23 May 2016, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, told the media at a public seminar on national reform that his government is working towards transforming the nation’s agrarian-based economy to an industrial one.

Gen Prayut added that government agencies are working in coordination to reduce income disparity, maintain security and preserve the environment.

The junta leader then urged people not to believe rumours about an economic downturn, adding that people should have confidence in him and that although the national reform will not be completed in two years, he will lay the foundation for the future reform of the nation.

He then announced that the authorities are currently preparing to sue people who accuse the government of mishandling the economy and disseminate rumours about corruption allegations related to promotions and reshuffles in the Royal Thai Police.

Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, the Defence Minister and deputy junta head, said at the same seminar that the economy is improving.

To bolster confidence in Gen Prayut, the deputy junta head then said that Gen Prayut has made great sacrifices for the country and that the people of the nation will not be happy without him.

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