Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda has expressed concerns about the country after the general election, according to his close aide.
Prem: Will receive Prayut on Dec 27
Gen Pisanu Phutthawong, chief of the privy council president's office, said Gen Prem's concerns are normal as the country is moving toward an election.
"He is a phuyai (senior and respected person) and it is normal for him to be concerned because the general election is approaching. He is concerned about the country's situation after that," he said.
Gen Pisanu also said Gen Prem, who turned 98 in August, is healthy and able to walk, but requires the use of a wheelchair after walking for extended periods of time.
Meanwhile, a source said Gen Prem will receive Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and senior government and military figures who will seek his New Year blessing on Dec 27.
It is a tradition for the country's leader, high-level government officials and military top brass to pay respect to Gen Prem at his Si Sao Thewes residence at New Year.
Gen Prem opened his house to receive Gen Prayut, cabinet ministers and armed forces leaders to give his blessings to mark Songkran in April.
However, he did not receive cabinet ministers and military top brass at his house on his birthday due to health reasons. He went to pay respect to His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch and made merit by giving food and robes to monks at Wat Ratchapradit on his 98th birthday.
According to the source, Gen Prem will this weekend travel to Songkhla, his home province. Earlier it was reported he made a visit to Nakhon Ratchasima and the 3rd Cavalry Division in Khon Kaen.
