Prayut’s failure to set up Cabinet questioned
In a Facebook post on Monday, anti-junta politician Chaturon Chaisang asked if General Prayut Chan-o-cha was purposely dragging his feet in terms of setting up the new Cabinet because he enjoyed the status quo.
Without a new government officially taking office, Prayut can declare himself an “elected” prime minister and at the same time, leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) with sweeping powers.
Chaturon pointed out that Monday marked the third month since the March 24 elections, and if the Cabinet is set up next month like some Phalang Pracharat politicians have suggested, then it will be four months – the longest time it has ever taken to form a Cabinet.
“He has an upper hand over everybody. Why is he not finishing it up? What is he waiting for?” the veteran politician asked. “Or is Prayut enjoying his time both as PM and head of NCPO, who cannot be held accountable? Is he waiting to finish off some business while people cannot hold him in check?”