AS HEAD OF KING BHUMIBOL'S PRIVY COUNCIL
General Prem became a member of late King Bhumibol’s Privy Council when he stepped down from the premiership in 1988. A decade later, he became the Privy Council’s president.
As the head of the powerful Privy Council, he is known for his fight against corruption. But he has also been accused by critics of interfering in politics, particularly in the period leading up to and after the 2006 military coup. This accusation had been denied by the government of the time.
“I think General Prem was good at coordinating relations that allow democracy to flourished in the late 1990s to 2006,” said Sutachai.
“Prem has become powerful over the years as president of the Privy Council”, said Thitinan. “He is seen by others and himself as a counterweight to corrupt politicians. He also sees himself as a guardian, a steward of the Thai political order that was built from the Cold War.
"This is his overall role and now I think he is in his final role, playing as a Regent during the transitional period.”