Prayut warms to PPRP as poll looms

Prayut warms to PPRP as poll looms

Premier hints at aligning with party

Leader of the Palang Pracharath Party and Minister of Industry Uttama Savanayana (centre) has admitted the purpose of the PPRP is to keep Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (inset) in power after elections. (Main photo by Chanat Katanyu)
Leader of the Palang Pracharath Party and Minister of Industry Uttama Savanayana (centre) has admitted the purpose of the PPRP is to keep Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (inset) in power after elections. (Main photo by Chanat Katanyu)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has hinted that the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) may be his preferred choice if he decides to become a prime ministerial candidate on the ticket of any party.

Gen Prayut also said he will give a clear answer about whether he will enter the political fray after the ban on political activities is lifted.

Even though the prime minister continued to keep things vague on Tuesday while discussing his political future, he said that if he decides to enter the political fray, he will naturally support any parties with policies in line with those of the government.

"If I am approached, I'll consider any party which works in sync with what we're doing now," Gen Prayut said.

Asked whether the PPRP, which comprises four cabinet ministers at its helm, would have any bearing on his decision, he said: "This will be taken into consideration."

"What I have in mind is that I will support parties which steer the country with a strategy. If other parties have better strategies than the PPRP, just present them," the prime minister said.

"Several parties said they would nominate me as a prime ministerial candidate. But so far, none have invited me," Gen Prayut said.

Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana concurrently serves as the PPRD's leader and Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee its deputy leader.

Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong is the party's secretary-general while PM's Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakool is the party's spokesman.

Gen Prayut said he will give a clear answer about his political future after the political ban is lifted.

He said he would then have a better opportunity of knowing what policies would be presented by the various parties.

Also Tuesday, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva suggested Gen Prayut should step down as prime minister if and when he agrees to be the prime ministerial candidate of the PPRP, to avoid a conflict of interest.

Mr Abhisit said Gen Prayut should practice good governance and set an example to show people he was not taking advantage of others by wearing two hats, one as prime minister and the other as a politician vying for a second shot at the premiership.

On Monday, Pheu Thai Party secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai also said Gen Prayut should take the high road if he wants to return as premier.

Mr Phumtham said the issue has nothing to do with legal requirements. If Gen Prayut wants respect and recognition from the public and the international community, he must earn it, he added.

The Pheu Thai heavyweight was responding to a question on whether it would be appropriate for Gen Prayut to remain in power, after the pro-regime PPRP said it was looking to nominate him as its candidate.

PPRP deputy leader Suvit was previously quoted as saying that Gen Prayut is at the top of the party's list of candidates. His remark came after PPRP secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong said last weekend the regime leader was among the party's top choices.

Also, Somsak Thepsuthin, a key member of the PPRP who is in charge of campaigning, has accused certain political parties of dividing public opinion by attacking Gen Prayut for trying to prolong his stay in power.

He said the issue has been picked up by political rivals ahead of the election, when they should be focusing on policies. He admitted it was a concern for the party.

"The issue should be dropped to avoid conflict. We've lost opportunities and time to work to better people's lives."

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