Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha confirms he is ‘interested in politics’, with one eye on next year’s election
Prayuth disavowed political ambitions when he led a May 2014 coup that ousted an elected government
The head of Thailand’s military government declared Monday he is “interested” in participating in politics, in a new indication he may seek to remain in office after elections scheduled for early next year.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s remarks did not clarify whether he is considering running in the general election, which is tentatively scheduled for February 24 next year, or will seek to be appointed by the new parliament as a non-elected outsider prime minister.
Prayuth disavowed political ambitions when he led a May 2014 coup that ousted an elected government. The military declared it would reform politics to get rid of corruption, and banned political party organising until earlier this month
“I can say right now that I’m interested in political positions,” Prayuth told reporters at Government House.
For several months, Prayuth and his backers have been organising support among pro-military parties, and at least three political groups have declared they will support Prayuth to become prime minister. Prayuth has also been making trips to provincial areas that strongly resemble campaign stops. Although the election is tentatively scheduled for February 24, it can legally be held as late as early May.
I can use these words now: ‘I am interested in politics,’ because I love my country, probably like every Thai in the country
Blood ran in the streets of Bangkok the last time a coup leader went back on his vow not to become an unelected prime minister. General Suchinda Kraprayoon led a 1991 coup that ousted elected Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan, then curried favour among several parties that formed a coalition government after a 1992 election and named him prime minister.
