As the country gears up for an election, initially expected to take place late February next year, the military regime under Prime Minister Chan-o-cha should learn about the political etiquette that obliges it to refrain from the business-as-usual edict in running state affairs.
This is because it has become clear that the prime minister and coup leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha will remain in the political arena, likely leading a new administration in the post-coup politics.
It's apparent that the newly-formed Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) will serve as the vehicle for Gen Prayut's return to power. Four cabinet members led by Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana took executive positions in the PPRP and defiantly refused to resign despite heavy criticism for their conflicts of interest. Instead, they made derisory excuses for their need to continue in their jobs as they "didn't want to burden others".
Gen Prayut and deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, the regime's legal eagle, insisted the four ministers were not breaking any laws by not quitting the cabinet. But, lest they forget, such a dual role raises a big question about legitimacy.
It came as no surprise when the PPRP said it would invite Gen Prayut to become the prime ministerial candidate on its ticket as required by the 2017 constitution. The decision was revealed by Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee, who concurrently serves as PPRP deputy leader, who said: "It's time to invite Gen Prayut after the ban on political activities was lifted."
It's no coincidence that the prime minister dropped a big hint about his political future at the same time.
When visiting Bueng Kan as part of his mobile cabinet meeting, Gen Prayut -- who over the past four years has made no attempt to hide his loathing of politicians -- took a chance to announce himself as one of that kind.
He told the cheering crowd: "I am here today. If I tell you that I am not a full-time politician, that's not true because I have been running the country." If anything, his statement is a big departure from his previous demeanour towards the role over the past four years since the 2014 coup when the country plunged into a political crisis. In the past, Gen Prayut has spoken ill of politicians who he says damaged the country with their greed.
It's no coincidence, either, that the Prayut regime has gone on a massive spending spree over the past few weeks, giving out cash handouts and other benefits under a welfare scheme totalling more than 100 billion baht. This money was all spent in the name of a scheme that bears almost the same name as the PPRP and has been frowned upon by many. Even the most naive observers acknowledge this spending is a tactic to gain a political advantage for Gen Prayut and Co.
Worse, the Election Commission ignored calls to set up a probe into whether the heavy spending under the Pracharath welfare scheme was the use of state resources for political gains.
Gen Prayut also appeared to blur the lines when he reportedly meddled in election affairs under the responsibility of the Election Commission. There are reports that the prime minister floated an idea about the design of ballot papers for which, unlike in previous elections, the logos, names and numbers of political parties will be omitted. Bombarded with criticism, Gen Prayut distanced himself from the idea which critics said does not suit the new electoral system that will use a single ballot for the selection of both constituency and party-list MPs.
The EC, which came into existence through votes from the coup-installed National Legislative Assembly, disappointed critics when it abruptly redrew some electoral constituencies in what was seen as gerrymandering. The abrupt redrawing was endorsed by a Section 44 issued by Gen Prayut.
What is going on shows the EC's failure to prove its impartiality and deepens suspicions of political foul play. This will do more harm than good to the country's politics.
Before Gen Prayut announced himself as a politician, he and his affiliated parties may have benefitted from grey areas, and taken advantage while other politicians could only look on. But things are now different after the Dec 12 announcement in Bueng Kan province.
The prime minister may cite fears of a political vacuum for not stepping down now, but he is obliged to observe political etiquette and ensure fairness in the game. No more special powers accorded by Section 44.
Prime Minister Prayut, as full-time politician, has to learn the importance of legitimacy, otherwise he will become trapped under the very weight of suspicion he professed to hold against those politicians of past eras.