Prayuth: Thais must not doubt loyalty

‘I have always said that we must not doubt loyalty.  If anyone does, he or she is not Thai. So Thais must not doubt loyalty because we were born with this word, and we will die with it, no matter what,’ Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha told an audience on 26 July.

He was presiding over a contemporary music contest, entitled ‘Love of the Land Songs’, for secondary school students to encourage them to express their loyalty to the monarchy through songwriting.

He said that he was moved when hearing the songs as they described the graciousness which His Majesty the King had been giving to Thailand, and seeing the young people perform the songs with determination in their eyes.

He felt relieved that Thailand still had a future with these young people, he said.

What Thailand has today is the graciousness which the monarchy has long been giving to all Thais.  This is a pride which is in the hearts of all Thai people.  So it will be unacceptable if anyone violates or harms the institution, the general said. 

‘What I’ve always thought and want to let everybody know is that whenever you can’t figure things out, you can turn to look at His Majesty’s picture, and you will know what to do.  When you see the tiredness, smiles and drops of sweat of His Majesty, you will know what you have to do.  How much His Majesty has done!  How devoted His Majesty has been!  So, please do things with your heart and loyalty, and be confident that what you do is right,’ he said.

‘Thailand has faced many hurdles which prevent us from moving forward.  Only one thing which can unite us all is the monarchy.  So we have to unite the hearts and minds of the people to hold on to the monarchy,’ he said.

‘Now don’t put too much blame on the soldiers.  We’re ready to do our best.  Please give moral support to the soldiers.  Sometimes I appear on TV looking a little bit tough, but it’s normal.  This is a role of a leader of an organization. I have to protect the reputation and dignity of the army over my own life.  This is what has been instilled [in soldiers].  No one can touch the army.  I make it my duty to protect it.  I apologize if I’ve been a bit ferocious.  Normally I’m gentle and innocuous man,’ he said.

Source: 
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