VIDEO: Thailand’s Prime Minister Takes the Flat Ronnie Approach to Press Conferences
Prayuth Chan-ocha recently used a life-sized cardboard cutout of himself to deflect media questions
January 9, 2018Looks like Flat Ronnie’s no longer the only cutout making a name for himself across the globe.
Thailand’s prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha recently shut down the media in one of the most bizarre fashions imaginable, by setting up a cardboard cutout of himself and telling reporters to direct all their questions to it.
It happened Monday during a press conference in Bangkok which began normally enough with the prime minister answering questions outside a government building. But then Prayuth, who took power in 2014 during a military coup, brought out the life-sized replica and things got strange.
“If you want to ask any questions on politics or conflict, ask this guy,” he told the gathered crowd just before walking away, according to the BBC.
Watch the video (above).
It’s unclear whether Prayuth’s cardboard caper was inspired by Flat Ronnie, the world-famous cutout modeled after Stern Show staffer Ronnie “the Limo Driver” Mund, but there’s certainly a chance considering Flat Ronnie has reared his head in Asia before and has been photographed alongside countless international celebrities.
In either event, Prayuth’s cardboard likeness will remain on display thru Children’s Day this Saturday, when Thai children will be given access to the official residence as well as Prayuth’s office.