Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated he will make it known in September whether he will formally enter politics, while reiterating that his military government is committed to holding a general election early next year.
In an interview in London on Thursday, Gen Prayut said he was considering joining a political party to ensure that his policies continue under the next administration.
“It depends on the Thai people,” Gen Prayut said when asked if he would join a political party. “When I made overseas trips, some Thai people I met want continuity of my policies in Thailand.”
“I can probably give you my answer in September,” he added. “I might have more clarity then. I still have time.”
Gen Prayut’s administration has repeatedly pushed back the timeline for elections, most recently to February next year. On Tuesday, the prime minister said the pending coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn would precede the polls, stirring fresh doubt about the latest schedule.
In the interview, Gen Prayut said the royal event would not affect the plan take the country to the polls, possibly in February.
“I think we can work on both in tandem,” Gen Prayut said of the election and the coronation. “We just want to make sure they go smoothly because both events are important.”
The baht had gained 0.2% to 32.886 per US dollar as of 2pm after Gen Prayut reaffirmed the election timeline. (continues below)
British Prime Minister Theresa May welcomes Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, right, ahead of their meeting at 10 Downing Street, London, on Wednesday. (AP photo)
While the European Union had accused his government of severely curtailing civil rights and freedom of expression, in December it said it would pursue a gradual political re-engagement because of the prospect of an end to military rule. The junta has banned political activity since it seized power in 2014, although new parties were recently allowed to make some initial preparations for elections.
Gen Prayut visited British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday and is to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. He and Mr Macron are expected to preside over the signing of an agreement for Thailand to purchase a satellite from Airbus.
He said the political system implemented by his government is intended to stop the cycle of unrest and coups.
“We don’t want to see intervention in the future,” he said. “The system that we designed and put in place now is to make sure that Thailand will become a fully functional democratic country.”