20 September 2024

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha led members of his Cabinet and military top brass for a ritual New Year’s call on Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda on Thursday and received not only blessing from the elder statesman but also a very valuable piece of advice.

“You should treat your critics as friends,” the 98-year-old statesman told Gen Prayut during the courtesy call at the former ‘s Sisao residence.

Gen Prem said Gen Prayut should treat his opponents and critics as friends “with different opinions” and not as enemy.

“If the government, the opposition care about friendship, everything will be smooth. Differences with friendship will be great because they can be friends even though they think differently.  I wish the prime minister treats his critics as friends,” said Gen Prem.

He said he has tried such approach before “and it worked successfully.”

Gen Prem also commended the prime minister for his hard work and performance.