Prayut sole PM candidate for Palang Pracharat

Prayut sole PM candidate for Palang Pracharat

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha takes a break from work to visit Nang Lerng market, including stopping for a meal there, on Thursday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha takes a break from work to visit Nang Lerng market, including stopping for a meal there, on Thursday.

Somkid Jatusripitak and Uttama Savanayana have backed down as prime ministerial candidates of Palang Pracharath, leaving Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha the only candidate of the pro-regime party.

Palang Pracharath decided on Jan 30 to approach Gen Prayut to be one of its three candidates for the  prime ministership. The other choices were Deputy Prime Minister Somkid and party leader Uttama.

Mr Somkid said on Thursday he was ready to support Gen Prayut to continue his work as PM after the March election "for continuity of projects". He added he was also willing to continue helping the new government. 

To avoid confusion, he said he also asked Mr Uttama, the party leader, to propose only one name on the party's PM candidate list.

Mr Uttama later posted on the party's Facebook he would put Gen Prayut as the party's sole candidate to ensure policy continuity in line with the national strategy.

Earlier on Thursday, Gen Prayut said he would announce his decision on the invitation by Palang Pracharath to stand as a party candidate for the premiership by 10am on Friday.

Gen Prayut said his decision will be made public between 9am and 10am, adding that he would have no problem working with Palang Pracharath politicians if he accepts the invitation.

The party's leaders delivered their formal invitation to him two days later at Government House.

Friday is the last day for political parties to submit their lists of candidates to the Election Commission.

Palang Pracharath on Thursday delivered the names 120 party-list candidates to the commission. 

Mr Uttama said the final list, the premiership candidates, will be also be delivered before the deadline. Gen Prayut will be the only candidate sent to the EC if he accepts the invitation, he added.

Asked about a backup if the prime minister declines the offer, he said the party has prepared an option.

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