A Facebook page whose name in Thai declares nationwide support for Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has no connection at all to Gen Prawit or his subordinates, and is intended only to cause internal division, according to the Defence Ministry spokesman.
Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanit was referring to the Manjai Khon Thai Thang Phandin Cheer Lung Pom (confidence in nationwide Thai people's support for Uncle Pom) Facebook page, which has drawn a lot of comment, much of it highly critical. Pom is Gen Prawit's nickname.
"The page has nothing to do with Gen Prawit or his team. It is not part of our policy," Lt Gen Kongcheep said.
"It is likely there is a group of people with ill intentions hoping to create emotional conflict through criticism of Gen Prawit."
People should think carefully about the intent of what they read on social media, he said.
"Please stop provocation, because we do not want society to return to the conflict of opinions that would allow a recurrence of violence," Lt Gen Kongcheep said.
Gen Prawit, also the defence minister, has faced a storm of criticism since being noticed wearing a very expensive luxury wristwatch and diamond ring that he had not listed in his assets declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The anti-graft panel has given him until Jan 8 to explain the acquisitions.
Gen Prawit did not speak to reporters before he left for a visit to Vientiane from Wing 6 in Bangkok on Wednesday.
