Military and police leaders yesterday emphasised their support for "good people to govern the country", while branding ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who saw his alumnus achievement awards withdrawn as a person who "did not know his place".
The remarks were made at a press conference, where the armed forces and the police declared they stand ready to work with a new coalition government -- regardless of which political parties come to power and who becomes the prime minister.
"We can't make everyone a good person, but we can choose good people to govern us," Chief of the Defence Forces, Gen Pornpipat Benyasri, said.
"Everyone, including the military and the police, are trying their best to follow this guideline," he said.
The "good person" who was referred to by Gen Pornpipat is widely thought to be a reference to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Gen Pornpipat also confirmed a report that the board of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School alumni foundation had removed the name of Thaksin from the school's hall of fame. Gen Pornpipat is chairman of the board.
"I believe that fellow people know the reason well and have seen it through websites and social media. One thing affects military morality and doctrine. If there is offence and unawareness of what is high and low, it is time for us to make a decision," the defence forces chief said.
The reaction followed the wedding reception for Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's youngest daughter, in Hong Kong last Friday. Princess Ubolratana presided over the party. Photos of Thaksin welcoming the princess with an embrace were posted online and went viral on social media.
