Prayuth threatens to execute journalists, hold on to power

BANGKOK — Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha lashed out at journalists yesterday, saying he would probably just execute those who did not report the truth, in the latest outburst aimed at Thailand’s media.

He also warned detractors that he would hold on to power indefinitely if they continued to oppose his plans for the kingdom.

Mr Prayuth, who was appointed as Prime Minister a few months after seizing power in a coup last May, appeared irritated when he met reporters shortly before flying to Brunei, frequently raising his voice and shaking his head.

“If the situation remains like this, I can tell you that I will hold on to power for a long time,” he said, after denouncing those who criticised the country’s lack of democratic progress. “Why is there all this fuss about elections?” he asked. “(If there’s no election), will anyone die?”

Most of his anger though was directed at the press corps. Last month, Mr Prayuth said he had the power to shut down news outlets and yesterday he took an even harsher line.

“We’ll probably just execute them,” he said, without a trace of a smile, when asked by reporters how the government would deal with those that do not adhere to the official line.

“You don’t have to support the government, but you should report the truth,” the former army chief said, telling reporters to write in a way that bolsters national reconciliation in the kingdom.

Mr Prayuth heads the ruling junta, the National Council for Peace and Order. He toppled the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a coup last May, after months of protests aimed at ousting Yingluck.

Known for his abrupt manner and impulsive remarks, Mr Prayuth launched a crackdown on dissenters after seizing power. He has said Thailand is not ready to lift martial law, which gives the army sweeping powers, including for arrest and detention.

Last month, Mr Prayuth said a general election would take place next year, but stopped short of giving a specific date. In January, the junta forced a German foundation to cancel a forum on press freedom, saying Thailand was at a sensitive juncture. Since taking power, the junta has made full use of martial law, which also bans all political gatherings.

Mr Prayuth was particularly upset by reporting on human trafficking in the nation’s seafood industry. Mr Prayuth singled out a reporter for a Thai television station, saying she should have brought her findings on the issue to the government’s attention instead of reporting them. His comments were given the same day the Associated Press published a lengthy story about how slave labour is rife in the Thai fishing industry’s supply chain.

Mr Prayuth has blamed most of the country’s problems on the weakness of previous governments and the nation’s decade of political unrest. He has called on the public and the press to give his government time to solve issues before a return to elections next year, at the earliest.

Rights groups say basic freedoms have fallen off a cliff since the military took over. Political gatherings have been banned, the press muzzled and tough lese majeste legislation increasingly used to stifle political opposition.