Prayut coy over election move

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he may decide whether to enter the political fray in September, while reiterating that his military government is committed to holding an election early next year.

In an interview in London on Thursday, Gen Prayut said he was considering joining a political party to ensure that his policies are continued by the next administration.

“It depends on the Thai people,’’ Gen Prayut said when asked if he would join a party. “When I made overseas trips, some Thai people I met said they to see my policies continued in Thailand.”

“I can probably give you my answer in September,’’ he added. “I might have more clarity then. I still have time.’’

Gen Prayut has unfettered executive power as head of the National Council for Peace and Order, the formal name of the junta, and politicians have speculated he may seek to retain power after the election.

The Prayut government has repeatedly pushed back the timeline for elections, most recently to February 2019. Earlier this week, he said the pending coronation of His Majesty the King would precede the polls.

In the interview, he said the royal event won’t affect the plan for a poll possibly in February.

“I think we can work on both in tandem,’’ Gen Prayut said of the election and the coronation. “We just want to make sure they go smoothly because both events are important.”

The next vote will be under a militarybacked constitution, which critics say gives appointed soldiers, judges and bureaucrats the power to stifle elected politicians. The charter makes it possible for Gen Prayut to be reappointed as premier in certain circumstances — even if he doesn’t join a party.

He met British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday and is due to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. He and Mr Macron are expected to preside over the signing of an agreement for Thailand to purchase a satellite from Airbus SE.

Gen Prayut said the political system implemented by his government is intended to stop the cycle of unrest and coups.

“We don’t want to see intervention,” he said. “The system that we designed ... is to make sure Thailand will become a fully functional democratic country.”