Prayut cuts short Chon Buri trip, hurries to Bangkok

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, right, talks with Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, left, in Si Racha district, Chon Buri, before cutting short his trip there on Wednesday. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha cut short his visit to in Chon Buri province on Wednesday afternoon and returned to Bangkok to receive HRH the Crown Prince.

Gen Wilas Arunsri, secretary-general to the prime minister, said Gen Prayut assigned his deputy Somkid Jatusripitak to meet government officials and private sector representatives in the East, and quickly returned to the capital to receive HRH the Crown Prince, who has returned to Thailand from abroad.

Gen Wilas denied a rumour that the prime minister would make a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd also denied that the prime minister would make a statement in the afternoon. Gen Prayut returned to prepare for a possible audience with HRH the Crown Prince for a timely report on the government's work, he said.

It was reported that acting City Clerk Rachaneewan Asvathitanon ordered subordinates at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to tighten up security around the clock for public safety.

The order emphasised protection of government and important places, crowded areas and mass transit facilities.

The acting City Clerk also put the BMA's medical personnel on standby and told environmental officials to prepare water tankers and toilet vehicles to serve the public.