Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says he will make a decision on his political future after the ban on political activity is relaxed.
“When the two organic laws related to the election are endorsed by His Majesty the King and an order easing the ban is issued -- it’s being drafted now -- we’ll move on to the election mode to bring complete democracy. We must have a government with good governance.
“The situation then will determine my decision -- whether it’s necessary for me to resume my duty as constitutionally required or by a mechanism under the charter. I’ll make the decision then,” he said on Tuesday.
Gen Prayut appeared determined to stay on for the sake of reform. “I’ll have to protect the interests of the country and the people and steer reform based on the national strategy, which has already begun.”
The prime minister on Tuesday launched the “Reform Together” campaign at Government House to promote national reform.
Actors and actresses who joined the Reform Together programme as emcees every Saturday, as well as their managers and producers, were awarded certificates.
The actors and actresses were Jaron "Top'' Sorat, Mayura "Tak'' Savetsila, Thanapat "Film'' Kawila, Cherprang Areekul of the Thai idol girl group BNK48 and Nittha "Mew'' Jirayungyurn.
Gen Prayut said the campaign was for all Thais. “It’s not aimed at promoting the government or for political gains.”
“This is the homework we’ve done for the people. The next and subsequent governments will have to do it as well. Everyone should understand the national strategy and the master plan in effect over the next 20 years so we’ll no longer go astray.
“Don’t listen to those who say it’s our ploy to cling on to power for 20 years. These 20 years are for the people since governments come and go.
“Many don’t understand what the government has done and say we haven’t done anything for them. It’s simply because they are not aware of it so we have to make sure they know so they can build Thailand together. Don’t let anyone separate us Thais using the rich-poor rhetoric. These words only bring divisions and troubles. Everybody is equal,” he said.
He dismissed criticism the campaign and many others used state budget to promote him and was a voting campaign.
“We didn’t pay these actors and actresses a single baht. They helped us for free. How can the campaign help me when I don’t even belong to a party?
“I’d like to ask whether Thailand’s administration belongs to only politicians. Are they the only group that can run the country? Retired civil servants, as well as military and police officers, are well qualified to do so as well,” he said.