Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's question on the National Council for Peace and Order's right to support a political party reflects unfair competition at the polls and his intention to stay on as prime minister, according to a key member of the Pheu Thai Party.
Pichai Nariptapan, a former energy minister, was responding on Thursday to Gen Prayut's six new political questions put to the people.
On the question did the NCPO had the right to support a political party, Mr Pichai said if the NCPO favoured one party it would give that party an advantage and disadvantage other parties, because it has governmental power and can do favours for a chosen political party.
"As the constitution allows a non-elected person to become the prime minister, Gen Prayut could be paving the way for his return to the premiership," Mr Pichai said.
On Gen Prayut's question, do the people think there is a need for a new political party and the option to choose new politicians in the next election, Mr Pichai said people would vote for the parties and politicians that have noticeably good performances and good mindsets.
"People should be asked if they have been happier in the past three years. If they are happy, they should vote for the political party that supports Gen Prayut. If not, they should vote for the Pheu Thai Party," Mr Pichai said, referring to the period since the NCPO took power in a military coup.
On Gen Prayut's question about the efficiency and good governance of past elected governments, Mr Pichai said politicians have had some problems and will have to change - but the changes will take time.