PM labels People’s Party leader “immature”

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hit back at Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut today, accusing him of lacking maturity and knowledge of national administration.

Natthaphong had earlier criticised the prime minister for inviting a privy councillor, whom he declined to name, to a meeting of the National Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, describing the invitation as “improper”.

He claimed that the presence of privy councillors, who are regarded as representatives of the monarchy, goes against the principle that the monarchy should remain free from political interference and may undermine the institution.

In response to the opposition leader’s criticism, the prime minister said the meeting on Tuesday was merely a forum for presenting the command’s performance in public disaster prevention and mitigation.

He said privy councillors are responsible for looking after people in their respective areas and attended the meeting to receive updated information from the government. He added that most privy councillors are former senior government officials who can share valuable experience with the administration.

He dismissed Natthaphong’s accusation, claiming that the People’s Party has consistently tried to involve the monarchy in politics, adding that he believes the public is fully aware of the party’s “ulterior motives”.