Thai Prime Minister Prayuth retires from politics

His announcement came after his military-backed United Thai National Party suffered a defeat in the May 14 election, winning just 36 of the 500 seats in Thailand's lower house of parliament. Prayuth will remain caretaker prime minister until a new Thai government is formed.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Photo: Reuters

Mr Prayuth, a former army general, led the military government until elections in 2019 and was chosen by Thailand's parliament to be prime minister for another four years.

"As prime minister, I have worked hard to protect the nation, religion, and monarchy for the sake of my beloved people," Prayuth said in a statement. "I have tried to strengthen the country in all areas for stability and peace , while overcoming many domestic and international obstacles."

Mr Prayuth's announcement comes as Thailand's new parliament prepares to convene on Thursday to hold a vote on who will be the next prime minister.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-tuong-thai-lan-prayuth-tuyen-bo-rut-lui-khoi-chinh-truong-post255773.html