Buri Ram provincial power Newin Chidchob organised the Chang Arena welcome for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)Some 30,000 people welcomed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to Buri Ram on Monday but the man who galvanised many of the supporters was veteran politician Newin Chidchob. While political analysts suspect there was more to the trip than just a mobile cabinet meeting upcountry, Mr Newin is seen as the key figure marshalling support for Gen Prayut in the region and helping him secure a stronger political base there should he decide to return as prime minister after next year's election. Though Mr Newin announced years ago that he wanted to turn his back on politics and devote himself to working with his football club, Buri Ram United, a Pheu Thai source said he can help Gen Prayut and his associates achieve their goals in an unofficial capacity.

Source: Bangkok Post May 08, 2018 23:15 UTC