Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told the children that he saw the American and Australian models as a “strong and stable” example for Thai democracy, but “each country has different conditions. Thailand has a constitutional monarchy. To reach their level of [efficiency], we have to strengthen everything and create good governance for Thailand to be equal with other countries.”

“Uncle Too [Prayut’s nickname] is very kind unlike what I see on television,” some kids said of Lung Tu during their meeting under the Thai American Youth Heritage and Australian Thai Youth Ambassador programmes at Government House.

PM Prayut told them that Thailand is moving ahead towards democracy but conditions were still “fragile” due to different political thoughts that were obstructing the country’s progress.

He stressed that he had to take over the premiership after staging the coup. “I needed to be here during this transition period…there are so many threats that we should be worrying about rather than be trapped in political conflicts.”

After his meeting with the children ended, Prayut ignored questions from reporters about politics.

The PM was asked whether he would resign as prime minister if he decided to contest the election, whether he would accept support from political parties to continue in his post, and whether he would be involved with politics after election.

“I don’t confirm anything. They have nothing to do with me,” Prayut replied