Some well-intentioned people advised Gen Prawit to keep silent over the matter when asked by reporters and let the NACC do its job. Observers noted that Gen Prawit may end up becoming the government's Achilles heel, vulnerable to attacks from opponents. When the wristwatch scandal first emerged, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha readily defended Gen Prawit. Pol Gen Watcharapol was named NACC president in late 2015 amid accusations that he won the post with the backing of the military regime and "big brother" Gen Prawit. The coup-appointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA) recently passed an organic bill allowing incumbent NACC members to stay in power despite possibly violating the charter.

Source: Bangkok Post January 20, 2018 00:00 UTC