The head of Thailand’s ruling junta has said that, unlike David Cameron, he will remain in power even if the August referendum rejects the constitution his administration has had drafted. Meanwhile, a trade official has confirmed that Brexit will not affect this country because the EU froze all trade negotiations with Thailand a long time ago.
On Monday, 27 June 2016, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta head and PM, told the media at Government House that he will not leave his position even if the draft charter is turned down in the August referendum, adding that the ways he and British PM David Cameron came to power are different, Matichon Online reported.
“It’s totally a different story. Why? Do you want me to leave? No, I won’t. I set my own rules. He [David Cameron] came into power differently from me. Their country doesn’t have a problem like us,” Prayut said after being asked by the media whether he will remain in power if the referendum fails.
In a related development, on Friday, 24 June 2016, Sirinart Chaiman, Director-General of the Trade Negotiations Department, said that Brexit will not affect Thailand’s economy as it will take at least two years for the UK to actually leave the EU. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the EU will not be affected since it has made no progress for many years, reported Manager Online.
“Leaving the EU, the UK will have more policy autonomy. For instance, If the UK wants to have a bilateral agreement with Thailand, it can start negotiations immediately without the consent of the European Commission,” Manager Online quoted Sirinart as saying.
(left) Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, (right) The Union Jack and the European flag on a building in London: (source: Thai News Agency and Wikipedia)
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