Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has told reporters outside Government House in Bangkok to direct their questions at a cardboard cut-out of himself.

Leaving people bemused, the Thai military junta leader said: "Whoever wants to take a picture, ask political questions... about conflict... ask this guy," and pointed to the life-size cut-out which had been placed in front of a microphone.

Thai PM refers media to 'cut out'

His antics drew an angry reaction, with some Thai social media users suggesting his casual attitude was inappropriate.

"If you don't have the ability to answer people's questions, how can you solve people's problems?" one person wrote on Facebook.

Image: A journalist takes selfies with cardboard likenesses of the Thai PM

Another Facebook post accused Mr Prayut of showing "bad manners".


The Thai Prime Minister has garnered a reputation for his rough treatment of the media.

Image: Children pose next to a cardboard cut-out

He has previously tossed a banana peel at a cameraman, threatened to smack someone with his podium and pulled a reporter along by the ear.

Many Thais now believe he is remodelling himself as a fun-loving, likeable character instead of a stern ex-general in time for elections slated for later this year.

Image: The Thai PM speaks to reporters next alongside the life-size replica

Mr Prayut seizied power in a 2014 coup by deposing then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.