Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced on July 11 that he will resign as a member of the United Thai National Party (UTNP) and retire from Thai politics.
Prayut came to power in a military coup in 2014 and served as prime minister until 2023. He was chosen by the UTNP as its prime minister candidate in the May 14 general election, but the party failed to make much of an impact.
Mr Prayut's party finished fifth overall, winning 36 seats - 23 constituency MPs and 13 party-list MPs - and more than 4.7 million votes.
Prayuth will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. His retirement announcement could put to rest any speculation that he will remain in the job permanently. In a statement on July 11, Prayuth said he had “achieved many successes” during his time in power.
“As Prime Minister, I have worked hard to protect the nation, religion, and monarchy for the sake of my loved ones. The results are now bearing fruit for the public,” he said. “I have tried to strengthen the country in all areas for stability and peace, overcoming many domestic and international obstacles.”
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat leads a victory parade with party members and supporters outside Bangkok City Hall, May 15, 2023. Photo: Getty Images
Prayuth's announcement came as the new Thai Parliament prepares to convene on July 13 to vote for the next Prime Minister.
The role of the monarchy in Thailand is at the centre of political debate in Thailand as reformers seek to dislodge the royalist military's grip on power.
The Move Forward party, led by 42-year-old Pita Limjaroenrat, won a stunning victory with allies in May's election. However, reforms aimed at the monarchy could prevent Pita from becoming prime minister.
Although Mr. Pita's coalition received the support of about 312 lawmakers, it was still not enough, because to be elected as Thailand's next Prime Minister, the young politician needed 376 votes of support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, in which the Senators are appointed by the pro-military faction.
Most senators opposed Mr. Pita over Move Forward’s election pledge to amend the lese majeste law, or Article 112 of the Thai Penal Code, which punishes critics of the king and other members of the royal family with up to 15 years in prison .
Minh Duc (According to Al Jazeera, The Nation Thailand)
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