Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who held power for almost nine years following a military coup in 2014, has announced his retirement from politics.
Prayut’s decision comes after his party, the United Thai Nation Party, finished fifth in the general election held in May, securing only 36 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives.
In a statement released by the party on Tuesday, the 69-year-old former army commander expressed his intention to withdraw from politics and resign as a member of the United Thai Nation Party.
While he did not cite a specific reason for his departure, Prayut called upon the party’s leaders and members to continue their political endeavors while safeguarding the institutions, the nation, religion, and the monarchy, emphasizing the importance of taking care of the Thai people.
The selection of a new prime minister by the parliament is scheduled for Thursday.
The frontrunner is Pita Limjaroenrat from the progressive Move Forward Party, who has formed a coalition with eight other parties, securing a majority of 312 seats in the Lower House.
However, due to political differences with the conservative Senate, it remains uncertain whether Limjaroenrat will gain the necessary approval to assume the premiership.
Prayut’s retirement from politics marks the end of an era. Following the military government that came into power through the 2014 coup, Prayut returned to the position of prime minister after the 2019 election as a candidate of the army-backed Palang Pracharath Party.
In his statement, Prayut highlighted his accomplishments during his nine years in office, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to protecting the nation, religion, and monarchy.
As Thailand prepares for a new chapter in its political landscape, the retirement of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha signals a transition of power and paves the way for the selection of a new leader who will be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the nation into the future.
