Thai PM Prayut to run for re-election in May
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Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is running with the new United Thai Nation Party.
PHOTO: AFP
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BANGKOK – Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was officially nominated for re-election on Saturday as his party’s first candidate to be the country’s next leader in polls set for May 14.
Mr Prayut, 69, is running with the new United Thai Nation Party, and will likely face Pheu Thai party’s Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra,
The incumbent, in power since 2014 when the military toppled a civilian government, was elected as a civilian leader in 2019.
The military veteran has lagged rivals in opinion polls, but hopes to win over supporters with promises of looking after the well-being of the people and the country’s stability, and protecting the monarchy.
“We volunteer to make everyone as happy as possible,” Mr Prayut said at a party event to introduce its candidates for all 400 constituencies.
He said his next government will continue the work of his current administration with a steady hand and the slogan: “Have done, doing and will continue”.
“The most important thing is to defend the country and protect the nation’s main institution. Please trust me as you’ve always done,” Mr Prayut added.
Party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga was nominated as the party’s No. 2 candidate for prime minister.
Thailand’s election is set to be a showdown between the elite establishment and pro-democracy forces that have dominated politics in the South-east Asian country for decades. REUTERS
