The government on Tuesday responded to efforts by the Student Union of Thailand (SUT) to stage a run against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Asked about the SUT's "Wing Lai Lung" (Run to Oust the Uncle) event, Gen Prayut said he would leave it to the public to decide which side to take.

"In the end, society will decide if this political move makes sense under the current peaceful political situation," said Gen Prayut, who has been nicknamed "Lung", or Uncle.

A group of Gen Prayut's supporters on Tuesday announced on Facebook a "Wing Tam Lung" (Run to Follow the Uncle) event to back Gen Prayut.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon shrugged off the developments, saying merely that both groups were entitled to run.

"These running events are fine as long as their organisers do not violate the law on public gatherings," he said. Asked whether he would take part in either event, Gen Prawit joked: "How could I manage to join a run? These days I can't even walk steadily."

The Wing Lai Lung run also carries the English name of "Run Against the Dictator" and will be held on Jan 12 in central Bangkok.