The Bhumjaithai Party will nominate its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, as the party's sole prime ministerial candidate in the next general election as it sets its sights on winning more than 100 MP seats, according to the party.
The nomination and the MP goal were high on the agenda of the party's annual assembly yesterday.
Addressing the meeting, Mr Anutin said the party was determined to win seats in all constituencies it plans to field candidates, which would bring the overall number of MPs it aims to garner to more than 100, including the party list.
He said the party would put forward election candidates who are accessible, honest and dedicated to working for local residents.
Early this month, the party announced it has shortlisted more than 200 potential MP candidates already after Mr Anutin said the party has started counting down to an election which will be held 11 months from now at the latest, assuming the government survives that long.
The government's term will expire on March 24 next year.
The Bhumjaithai's last three years in the government have given the party time and opportunity to lay down important policy foundations in the ministries it oversees and make good on its election promises, said Mr Anutin, who is also a deputy prime minister and the public health minister.
The party likewise supervises the transport ministry and the tourism and sports ministry.
Among its claimed successes is having pushed through an election pledge to delist cannabis and hemp as narcotic substances.
Yesterday, Mr Anutin declined to declare himself the party's sole prime ministerial candidate but insisted the leader customarily takes the nomination.
Meanwhile, Mr Anutin said members were entitled to express different opinions about the party affairs as long as they are settled in the meetings and everyone respects the party rules.
After the next general elections, Bhumjaithai will work to rebuild the Covid 19-ravaged economy and further strengthen people's health.
Also yesterday, the opposition Seri Ruam Thai Party held its annual assembly where it declared its leader, Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, as the party's prime ministerial candidate.
The party has named former election commissioner, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, as its chief policy strategist and activist Veera Somkwamkid as chairman of the party's corruption eradication strategy.