Bangkok: General Kriengkrai Srirak, First Deputy Speaker of the Senate, has addressed the recent controversy regarding images showing him walking alongside Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The images have raised questions among various parties about the appropriateness of his proximity to the Prime Minister.
According to Thai News Agency, General Kriengkrai clarified that he did not take it upon himself to walk with the Prime Minister but was instead invited to do so. The meetings, which included discussions over meals, were specifically initiated by the Prime Minister to talk about security issues in the southern border provinces. General Kriengkrai, with his extensive 37-year experience in the region, was asked to share his perspectives and insights as part of the Prime Minister's efforts to understand different viewpoints and devise solutions to the ongoing problems in the southern areas.
General Kriengkrai further explained that his relationship with Mr. Anutin goes back to their days as classmates at the National Defence College. He also mentioned that Mr. Anutin was notably the first to visit and offer support following his helicopter crash. The Prime Minister plans to continue these discussions with General Kriengkrai approximately every three weeks to stay informed and engaged with the southern border issue.