Thailand PM Prayuth retires from politics, 9 years after his coup
THAILAND’S Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced on Tuesday (Jul 11) his retirement from politics – nine years after he took power in a military coup – and promised to stay in charge only temporarily.
His announcement was widely expected after his military-backed United Thai Nation party was thumped in a May 14 election, in which it won just 36 of the 500 house seats. He will remain caretaker premier until a new government is formed.
The former army chief and staunch royalist led a junta until an election in 2019 and was chosen by parliament to remain prime minister for four more years, an outcome his opponents insist was pre-determined.
Prayuth, 69, has denied that claim. On Tuesday, he said he had “achieved many successes”.
“I as prime minister have worked hard to protect the nation, religion, monarchy for the benefit of the beloved people. The result is currently bearing fruit for the public,” he said in a statement. “I have tried to strengthen the country in all areas for stability and peace and overcame many obstacles domestically and internationally.”
In the nine years since his coup, Prayuth has survived multiple challenges made through court cases, house confidence votes, and street protests by opponents who saw him as an opportunist who lacked a public mandate.
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His announcement comes as the new Thai parliament prepares to convene on Thursday, to hold a vote on who will be the next prime minister, an outcome that is far from certain.
Lawmakers will meet to endorse the leader of an eight-party coalition led by Move Forward Party.
Should Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat fail to get enough support, analysts expect second-place party Pheu Thai to lead instead.
Either outcome will end stasis in government, and is likely to spur a series of market-friendly reforms and a relief rally.
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