Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party Gen Prawit Wongsuwon's latest attempts to woo voter support raises quite a few eyebrows.
In an open letter, the third of its kind, released on Feb 27 via his FB page, Gen Prawit asked for a chance to serve the country for another term, citing the need to complete several unfinished tasks.
Similar to his brother-in-arms, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who now assumes the role of United Thai Nation (UTN) leader, Gen Prawit is campaigning hard in the hope of making a return.
Gen Prawit cited a passion for politics and bonds he has developed with members of the PPRP, saying, "I'm not selfish enough to leave my companions behind" and "deep down, I try to review my entire experiences day by day to figure out how to solve the nation's problems."
Gen Prawit concluded that the feat could be possible if the public gives him a chance.
Such remarks seem ironic given the long and uninterrupted tenure of the administration under these two ex-junta leaders since 2014.
Eight years is extraordinarily long compared to the average term of civilian governments, which lasts only 2.5 years. That's not to mention the absolute power they wielded, using the draconian Section 44 to overrule any laws, enabling them to run the country without challenge.
After the 2019 election, they had the support of a 250-member Senate as stipulated by the 2017 constitution. If Gen Prawit and his military cliques had the will, as well as the competence, to tackle the many problems that face the country, like poverty, inequality, and education failures, they would have something to boast about.
In the letter, Gen Prawit projects himself as a "key element" in bringing about reconciliation to the country while pointing the finger at an "elite group" -- a group which previously included himself -- for ongoing strife.
Traditionally, he said, it had been hard for the "elites" to govern by means of democracy, and in the past, that had led to special administrations being imposed in the aftermath of coups.
"However, my thoughts have changed since I served as defence minister and PPRP leader, and now I realise the country must be driven by a democratic system. Actual power should be held by the people of the nation to decide on a leader."
The statement, like the previous ones, is just another attempt to white-wash his role in the 2014 putsch, distancing himself from Gen Prayut, whom, he claimed, was solely behind the coup effort.
Such claims are feeble. The deputy prime minister cannot deny his role or responsibility in the coup and its aftermath.
Gen Prawit and his PPRP, like the elites he blames, have shown no sincerity about amending the charter as demanded by the civic sector. That's proof enough of his culpability.
Instead, the past years have seen the former military men do anything they can to maintain the upper hand, taking advantage of a flawed charter.
In the latest white-washing, the New Palang Dharma Party, a close ally of the ruling PPRP, has submitted a bill to parliament to bring about social reconciliation. But this political charade comes way too late, as the House has already risen.
Gen Prawit may have forgotten the adage that actions speak louder than words. Now he and the PPRP must hold their breath, as it's the turn of voters to decide their political fate.
