One reason is that Gen Prem had not been active politically lately. The deep respect Gen Prayut, Gen Prawit and Gen Anupong had for Gen Prem turned the statesman into a figure of prominence, said the source. Gen Prem also had little influence on the outcome of military post reshuffles, as most posts were eventually filled by those directly linked to Gen Prayut, Gen Prawit and Gen Anupong, as well as generals from other cliques, the source said. Gen Prem had asked Gen Surayud -- also a Privy Council member -- to act on his behalf as he increasingly suffered from ill health. Gen Surayud is also chairman of the Ratthaburut Foundation, founded by Gen Prem, the source said.

Source: Bangkok Post May 27, 2019 22:30 UTC