Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has been nominated by the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) as its prime ministerial candidate in the next election.

After Tuesday’s weekly cabinet meeting, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana told a press conference that Gen Prayut responded positively to the decision.

"The prime minister welcomed the gesture and thanked the PPRP for placing its trust in him, [but] it's up to the people what they make of the next election," the spokesman said.

On Sept 30, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, in his capacity as leader of the PPRP, told party members that the PPRP would definitely put forth Gen Prayut's name as a PM candidate in the next election, which is expected to take place sometime next year.

With the PPRP's nomination in hand, Gen Prayut looks set to seek another term as premier.

The spokesman went on to say that Gen Prayut has asked Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who is a legal expert, to make sure that his nomination does not go against the constitution and/or other organic laws -- in a reference to the recent confusion surrounding the end of Gen Prayut's tenure as PM.

The opposition and some academics are insisting that his term will end in August next year, as the constitution bars anyone from serving as premier for more than two four-year terms -- regardless of whether the terms were served consecutively or not.

They maintained Gen Prayut's time as prime minister began in 2014, as the head of the National Council for Peace and Order, which seized power in a coup.

Some have argued that Gen Prayut's premiership began in 2017 -- when the present constitution was promulgated -- while others say his term didn't begin until 2019, when he was actually sworn in as prime minister.

The issue is fiercely debated as it serves as an indicator of when the next poll will be held.