Prayut ‘can’t think of any PM candidates’ other than himself

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha admitted yesterday that he could think of no other candidate to become head of government after the election other than himself.
“I have no idea,” Prayut responded to Government House reporters when asked whether he would think of any other possibilities.
“You make me this famous. You could also bring some other names up,” he added.
The junta leader was reluctant to talk about his political path after a long-delayed election now set to be held next February.
New rules regarding the parliamentary system and PM selection stipulated in the 2017 charter also make it likely that the next government head needs support from small and medium-size political parties, or junta-appointed senators, or both.
Many new parties that have applied for registration with the Election Commission since last month have also come up with a clear agenda to support Prayut or enable the junta to continue in power.
Given the current circumstances, plus continued suppression of political parties, observers view Prayut as almost the sole possibility to become the next PM. Last week, his deputy Somkid Jatusripitak, who heads the government’s economic team, also hinted that he would support Prayut as next PM. This came amid speculation that Somkid might prepare to set up a pro-Prayut party.
Prayut yesterday said he acknowledged “what is going on” but stressed that no one has approached him to take a position in any new political party so far.
“I will have to see whether the position is in line with what I’ve done earlier,” the junta chief said. “For now, I don’t know anything. I may get clearer politically after meeting with political parties.”
Prayut appeared to refer to a talk between representatives from the ruling junta, National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), and political parties to be held in June. Despite the junta’s claim to create “mutual understanding” on election-related laws and regulations ahead of the national vote, critics viewed that it could be an opportunity for the junta to make parties comply with their scheme.
“I don’t hate politics. I just hate politics with corruption and no good governance,” he added.
With the country having no elections at any level for over four years, Prayut said it was possible to have “one or two” local elections prior to the nationwide one.
Local elections are held to elect members of provincial and tambon administrative organisations and of Bangkok’s city councils, as well as to elect the Bangkok governor.
Elected Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who is the
 predecessor of the current office holder Asawin Kwanmuang, was sacked using the junta’s sweeping Article 44 order after a series of corruption scandals. He was replaced by his then-deputy Asawin.
“We’ll have to see how the situation will be. If we don’t have enough time, we can always extend it,” Prayut said yesterday.