PM Has Fondled Ears, Flung Fruit. Now, His Latest Stunt

Prayuth Chan-ocha said, 'Ask this guy,' then left cardboard cutout of himself to face reporters
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 9, 2018 7:52 AM CST
Thai PM and His Cardboard Replica Hold Press Conference
In this image from video, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, left, waves and walks off as a life-size cardboard cutout figure of himself is placed next to the microphone during a media conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday.   (TPBS via AP)

Thailand's prime minister evaded journalists' questions on Monday by bringing out a life-size cardboard cutout of himself and telling the reporters to quiz it instead of him. Prayuth Chan-ocha then turned on his heel and walked off, reports the AP, leaving the mock-up behind to bemused looks and awkward laughter from the Government House press pack. The prime minister had briefly spoken to the media after attending an event promoting the upcoming Children's Day, but he deployed his dodging tactic before anyone could ask him about a number of pressing political issues. "If you want to ask any questions on politics or conflict, ask this guy," he said.

It isn't the first time Prayuth—a general who seized power in a bloodless coup in 2014—has dumbfounded the media. In the past, he has fondled the ear of a sound technician for several minutes during an impromptu news conference, flung a banana peel at cameramen, and threatened, with gruff humor, to execute any journalist who criticized his government. When it took power, his government, packed with military leaders, enjoyed considerable public support for ending a prolonged period of often-violent street politics. But as the junta's rule has stretched on, criticism of its often-repressive policies and lack of transparency has grown markedly. Prayuth has promised elections in November, though he has made similar promises several times previously and then delayed the balloting.

(More Thailand stories.)

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