Tumultuous times ahead for Thailand as a heated election looms

THAI Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has yet to officially dissolve Parliament, but campaigning for the next general election – which must be held no later than May this year – is already in full swing across the country.

Prayut, who has been in office since 2014 after seizing power following a military coup, last week indicated he will call for a dissolution in early March, which would allow the polls to be held on May 7 as scheduled by Thailand’s Election Commission.

In the run-up to the big day, one big question being asked is whether Prayut, a 68-year-old former army chief, has enough support to remain as prime minister.