Interview with Thai PM: He pushes 'business as usual' amid slow politics

Interview with Thai PM: He pushes 'business as usual' amid slow politics

Thailand hopes to begin bullet-train services using Japanese technology and could hold a general election by year-end, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said. Excerpts from an interview with The Nikkei on Feb. 9 and one with a group of Japanese media on Feb. 6, both conducted in Thai, follow:

Q: A top US diplomat recently said Yingluck Shinawatra's impeachment appears "politically driven."

A: I felt upset by [Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel] Russel's words [in a Jan. 26. speech]. He may not understand how we are trying to bring political stability to our country. If the US has doubts or concerns, it should ask us directly. We can answer any questions.

Q: How long do you intend to maintain martial law?

A: Which country do you like better, the current Thailand or the Thailand six months ago? Thais want stability.

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