PM explains apology following arrest of Phra Buddha Issara

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Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha.
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha.

Bangkok – Prime Minister’s Office Spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd has relayed a response from Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha, concerning political groups speculating as to his relationship with senior monk Phra Buddha Issara after he apologized for what he deemed excessive force used in the monk’s arrest.

Lt Gen Sansern made known the PM’s affirmation that he was not showing any favoritism and that he did not have a personal relationship with the monk, originally named Suwit Thongprasert, but was apologizing due to the inappropriate action taken by authorities, a view he said he would hold regardless of their target. The PM noted that as the arrest took place in the area of a temple, more sensitivity towards the feelings of Buddhists should have been exercised. He has asked that commentators not distort the impact of his words for political gain.

Gen Prayut assured the public that he has never let his personal relationships influence his political work and that his government’s only intention is to maintain the letter of the law.