News analysis

Thai election crucial in different ways to rivals

Views split on merit of having junta chief back as PM as complex decision awaits voters

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha taking a selfie with Thailand's Miss Universe 2018 contestant Sophida Kanchanarin after a meeting at Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday. Some politicians say having Mr Chan-o-cha return as premier would give
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha taking a selfie with Thailand's Miss Universe 2018 contestant Sophida Kanchanarin after a meeting at Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday. Some politicians say having Mr Chan-o-cha return as premier would give the kind of stability Thailand needs to put its turbulent political past behind and maximise its global potential. Others say voters need to wise up at the ballot box to dodge a dictatorship that could last up to eight years. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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Thailand's election on Feb 24 next year will be crucial. This much rival political parties agree, but for completely different reasons.

Some politicians support the idea of current Premier and junta chief Prayut Chan-o-cha returning as prime minister, arguing that it would give the kind of stability that Thailand needs to put its turbulent political past behind it and maximise its global potential.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 13, 2018, with the headline Thai election crucial in different ways to rivals. Subscribe