Prayut should follow in footsteps of former military PMs
In 1980, then Prime Minister Kriangsak Chomanan voluntarily resigned from office – telling parliament that though he was an elected prime minister, his government had lost a vote in the House so he was relinquishing his post.
That was a purely democratic act from an Army general who was once a coup leader.
In 1988, after serving as prime minister for eight years, General Prem Tinsulanonda refused the offer made by leaders of the election-winning parties to become PM again – leaving the premiership to be filled by Chatichai Choonhavan of the Chart Thai Party.
After the next general election, slated for November 2018, General Prayut should follow the footsteps of generals Kriangsak and Prem – and allow Thailand to return to the full democracy that it deserves once again.
Chavalit Wannawijitr
Chiang Mai
