Thai election: PM Prayuth Chan-ocha to run for re-election in May
- The army veteran has been in power since 2014 when the military toppled a civilian government, was elected as a civilian leader in 2019
- He is likely to be up against Pheu Thai party’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter and niece of two former premiers from the billionaire family
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was officially nominated for re-election on Saturday as his party’s first candidate for the country’s next leader in polls set for May 14.
Prayuth, 69, is running with the new United Thai Nation Party, and is likely to face Pheu Thai party’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter and niece of two former premiers from the billionaire family.
The incumbent, in power since 2014 when the military toppled a civilian government, was elected as a civilian leader in 2019.
The military veteran has lagged rivals in opinion polls, but hopes to win over supporters with promises of looking after the well-being of the people and the country’s stability, and protecting the monarchy.
“We volunteer to make everyone as happy as possible,” Prayuth said at a party event to introduce its candidates for all 400 constituencies.
He said his next government would continue the work of his current administration with a steady hand and the slogan: “Have done, doing and will continue”.