BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced on Friday (Dec 23) that he will run as the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party’s candidate for prime minister in the next election.
He made the announcement at Government House.
Prayut also said he has a close bond with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party’s candidate for prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, explaining that the relationship among soldiers is “unbreakable”.
"Prawit was my first commander, and he took good care of me," Prayut said.
He said he will register as a member of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party once its registration date is scheduled. He also confirmed that he made the decision to join the party, which was formed in March, previously.
Voters will decide whether or not he continues to serve as prime minister, he said.
"I have worked hard for people throughout Thailand even [in areas] where there are no MPs from the Palang Pracharath Party or other parties in the governing coalition," Prayut said.
When asked if he would work with Prawit again, Prayut said the general election would determine which parties become coalition or opposition members.
"The important thing is to continue the government’s work in a sustainable way," he said.
