Thailand’s Prime Minister alighted on an unorthodox strategy to avoid awkward questions from journalists by producing a life-sized cardboard cutout of himself and asking the waiting press pack to direct their queries to it.

Prayut Chan-o-cha appeared ready to take questions when he emerged at a press conference outside government house in Bangkok yesterday.

He then watched as an aide set up the cardboard image of himself at the microphone and told the waiting reporters: “If you want to ask any questions on politics or conflict, ask this guy.”

The bizarre scene was met with awkward laughter and bemusement as the prime minister turned and walked off.

Prayut had spoken to the media earlier in the day but left before he was asked about the country’s promised elections and violence in the south of the country.