The deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party says its leader, Prayut Chan-o-cha, may leave political life behind, following Sunday’s general election. Prayut has served as Thailand’s PM since seizing power in a 2014 military coup, but Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana believes he may be planning on quitting politics for good.
The deputy leader admits that Prayut has not confirmed his intentions to him, but he believes Thailand’s outgoing PM has done enough for the country.
“He has worked for the country throughout his life and for the benefit of Thai people throughout his 8 years as the prime minister. I personally believe that it is enough for him in the political arena.”
The United Thai Nation Party was solidly trounced by the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties on Sunday, failing to win the number of parliamentary seats it had hoped for. Thanakorn says many within the party were hoping that having Prayut at the helm would have won them more than the 23 constituency and 13 party list seats they did get.
He says that following the election results, party executives have held informal talks about the future. Thanakorn adds that he joined the party because of Prayut and will accept whatever decisions the party leader makes.
“At least Prayut will be in Thais’ minds for long time.”
He has wished his party leader well and thanked those who did vote for the party, in particular in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where United Thai Nation did meet its voting target.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
