By Panya Thiewsangwan
The Nation
Published on August 12, 2009


Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday extended an olive branch to Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan by sending Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on his behalf to wish him on the occasion of his 64th birthday.
Prawit, Suthep and Niphon Prompan, secretary-general to the PM, had a 30-minute long chat behind closed doors. Prawit refused to speak to the media after the meeting, while Suthep said Abhisit had given him the job of presenting a bouquet to the Defence Minister to wish him a happy birthday yesterday. He said he felt obliged to Prawit because he had helped smooth things out for the government.

Asked if he was referring to the transfer of national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, who is Prawit's younger brother, Suthep said they had only discussed facts, not rumours.

"The Defence Minister has served through the Army ranks as a commander and chief. Rumours don't worry him," he said.

He also insisted that the relationship between the government and the military was still strong and that there was nothing to worry about. "You have see us today like this and you still don't have confidence? The PM and I are one,'' Suthep said, touching Prawit's arm.

Asked if he knew whether Abhisit was taking into account Prawit's sentiments, Suthep laughed and said, "You are trying to make us fight. Prawit loves his brother but he also has good judgement. The Patcharawat issue has to be resolved. I don't think it is a problem. Everything is all right now,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Army chief General Anupong Paochinda was among the top brass at a merit-making ceremony held at Wat Phra Srimahathat in Bang Khen to mark Prawit's birthday.

Patcharawat attended the event for ten minutes and left. He appeared to be in good mood even though he had been informed that Abhisit wanted him to carry out an urgent mission in the three southernmost provinces.

Prawit told the military officials attending the celebrations that he wanted to see unity among the ranks and in the country. He also urged them to uphold the institution of monarchy. "This institution is important to every Thai and must be upheld in the interest of the whole country,'' he said.