Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told a group of MP candidates from the newly established United Thai Nation Party (UTN) that despite the exhausting work involved in running the country, he wants to continue on in the top job and see certain projects and goals through to completion, according to a political source.
Gen Prayut made the remark, seen as an attempt to further shore up his support base ahead of the next general election in May, on Dec 8 when he met about 40 politicians from various parties who have decided to try and run as MPs under the UTN's banner.
At one point, Gen Prayut was asked if he would join the UTN led by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who is also one of his advisers. According to the source, the premier responded briefly by saying: "I've come this far. Isn't it clear?"
He declined to share any information about when he would make a formal announcement. But he told the gathering he hopes to safeguard peace and order and that he still has a few "missions" to fulfil.
On Dec 6, Gen Prayut said he would seek to carry on in office for the maximum two years granted him by the charter after the election, after which he would have a suitable successor in place.
He is not expected to formally reveal his plans until the current session of the House of Representatives is adjourned because he wants the MPs to focus on their parliamentary duties, said the source.
The fate of the House has become unclear following the mass resignation of MPs to pave the way for them to defect to other parties ahead of the polls. Further exits could disrupt the function of the House.
Meanwhile, Mr Pirapan is tipped to be named the prime minister's secretary-general following the resignation of Dissathat Hotrakit. His appointment is expected to be considered by the cabinet on Tuesday.
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri confirmed yesterday that Mr Dissathat, who had served in the post since July 2019, quit and was named the prime minister's adviser with immediate effect.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said he had no idea whether such a move would bolster the prime minister's election campaign. He added that previous prime ministers had appointed secretaries-general from among their party ranks.
He said Mr Pirapan, who is also a legal expert, could fill the role, but the UTN leader must quickly master the relevant protocol for any hope of success in the election.
Mr Wissanu dismissed speculation that the mass resignation of MPs would trigger a House dissolution, saying the House can still function.
He said Gen Prayut also signed the two organic laws necessary for holding the elections and would submit them for royal endorsement by this week.
Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former member of the Election Commission, said the prime minister was unlikely to dissolve the House and would be looking for ways to boost his return to Government House.
Mr Pirapan's appointment shows Gen Prayut is still going full throttle and that it will take a while before he dissolves the House, he said.
"I think there will be no House dissolution as long as the meetings can proceed," he added.
Mr Somchai said the House would lack the legitimacy to continue when there are fewer than 250 MPs left, but he doubted half of the MPs would quit en masse.