New Thai PM Srettha discusses overcoming divisions with coup leader Prayuth
- Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin, who met with his predecessor Prayuth Chan-ocha, needs to form a cabinet from an 11-party alliance
- Former army chief Prayuth was the architect of a 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin discussed overcoming political divisions with predecessor Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday, in his first meeting as premier as he prepares to form a cabinet from a crowded 11-party alliance that includes fierce rivals.
Srettha sailed through a parliamentary vote to become premier on Tuesday and will head a tricky coalition that includes parties backed by the military, which has repeatedly manoeuvred to topple governments led by his Pheu Thai Party.
Thursday’s meeting underscores a fragile detente in Thai politics, with Prayuth the architect of a 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government as chief of the ultraroyalist army. Prayuth stayed in charge for the next nine years.
“Existing divisions will be difficult to overcome. One conversation will not finish it off. It will take time,” Srettha said of their meeting.
“I understand his intentions, that he wants to overcome divisions and he cares about the country.”
02:50
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra jailed for 8 years upon return from exile
Asked by reporters what advice Prayuth gave, he said “for me to be calm, be patient and protect the nation and monarchy”.
