Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has dodged the question about his political future, saying it would be foolish of him to expose himself to criticism at this point.
He earlier told reporters he would decide whether to enter politics after the two organic laws governing the House and Senate were published. The legislation was published in the Royal Gazette last Wednesday.
When asked about his promise on Tuesday, Gen Prayut said: “Why are you so interested in me? I said I would announce my intentions after the two laws were published. I didn’t say when. Right now is after the two laws are published. So is next year. So it’s entirely up to me.
“What’s the point of putting myself on the line so soon?” he added.
On political parties’ call for the lift, not easing, of the ban on their activities, Gen Prayut said the ban would be lifted 90 days from the promulgation date of the MP law, or on Dec 16, after which they can campaign.
“May I ask for some peace first? If I were a politician, I wouldn’t find it hard to comply. If they think they don’t have enough time, they can start telling the public their policies. Can society accept them? Will they topple anything? If they try to abolish a good thing and people respond, national security, religion and the key institution are at stake.”
While he did not mention such policy, he told people in Phetchabun earlier that the country can’t exist without civil servants, soldiers and police.
“Who said soldiers are not necessary? Who would help you if anything happens? Soldiers are on call in barracks 24/7 and they are from your families. They are the force that is always ready,” he said, apparently referring to conscripts.
“Soldiers are not for me to stage a coup with. I did so because of good reasons and the situation forced me to do it,”
At least two parties -- Future Forward and Pheu Thai -- floated the idea of lifting military draft earlier, proposing it be replaced with a volunteer system.