Sensern delivers Prayut's message to public and media; PM's office revamps its public relations strategy.
PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday apologised for losing his temper in public and scolding journalists, spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said, adding the premier was under pressure as if he was left to walk alone.
"The prime minister asked me to convey to media and people that he regretted his outburst on Tuesday," he said. He was also worried [about public sentiment], but we also should understand that he is working under pressure due to high expectations of the people."
Asked why Prayut had not apologised to the public personally, Sansern said the premier was busy and he needed more time to think about the matter.
Reporters at Government House said Prayut remained in his office the whole day and allowed only Army chief Theerachai Nakvanich to meet him yesterday.
Although Prayut has tended to lose his temper in public while giving press interviews, Tuesday's outburst exceeded his previous bouts of anger.
One of the prime minister's New Year resolutions was to try to be a "good guy" at least in the eyes of the mass media by avoiding hot-tempered exchange of words with critical reporters. That resolution seems to have been broken when Prayut was furious when asked about the draft charter and election road map issues.