Prem’s birthday politics
The oldest of the old men, former army commander, former but never elected prime minister and now president of the Privy Council, Prem Tinsulanonda celebrates his90th birthday on 26 August. This event is always important for the military and the militarized royalists.
This year, Prem said he didn’t want a huge throng of well-wishers-sycophants this year. However, The Nation reports that Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan is “scheduled on Wednesday … morning to lead top military leaders to wish a happy birthday to Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda at Si Sao Thewes residence.” Prawit has apparently “sought and received a speical permission to meet him [Prem] before the birthday.” In addition, “[a]ll key leaders from the three corps of the armed forces are expected to accompany the defence minister.”
Then The Nation helpfully adds: “Prawit’s visit to Prem coincides with speculation there might be some changes to the list of military reshuffle. This list has been submitted for the royal command since August 3. Thus far it has not been sent back to the government, an unclear signal whether it would be approved or revised.” The palace is at work on military politics yet again.
Quite provocatively, Thai E-News included this picture (above) at its blog today combining Prem and the increasingly used red shirt middle finger.
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