PM keeping all options on the table

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha promised yesterday that local polls would be held on one and possibly two occasions before the general election expected next February.

However, he said the details will depend on the readiness of all the parties involved.

Meanwhile, the National Council for Peace and Order has approved all requests to hold a general assembly submitted by new political parties once the Election Commission approves setting up those parties, he added.

About four parties have requested the assembly, he said.

Gen Prayut said he would also consider supporting a party in the upcoming poll, or accept an invitation to serve one in the capacity of adviser.

He was answering questions from the media after reports emerged recently that Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak was forming a party and would support Gen Prayut as premier should be bid to make a political comeback in February.

“They are still discussing things, so let them do that. Nothing has been made clear. If they set up political parties, I’ll have to see how each party is, and whether I should support it and how,” he said.

“Nobody has made me an offer yet,” he said, adding that if invited, he would have to consider the party’s policy to ensure it coheres with the policies he has followed while in charge of the country’s affairs.

“Today we still don’t know what will happen, whether we [Prayut and political parties] can talk. Many parties have said they will not talk [to me] as they are only focused on the election. But if they don’t talk, how can an election happen?” he said.

Asked when he would make a decision, he said: “Maybe near the election, I guess. I can’t be an MP. When the parties start talking, I will be clear about what I plan to do next.”

He refused to say whether he planned to join a party as a chief adviser or just an ordinary member.