23-6-2023 (BANGKOK) Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, has refuted news reports claiming that he would be abandoning outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha by resigning from the party and his cabinet secretary position.
Dismissing the reports as unfounded, Pirapan stated that working under Gen Prayut has been a privilege, emphasizing that he would never forsake someone as honorable as Gen Prayut.
“I will absolutely never abandon a person as respectable as Gen Prayut,” Pirapan declared.
He confirmed that he continues to fulfill his duties and will serve as the prime minister’s secretary-general until the new government assumes office.
A joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate is scheduled to convene on July 13 to select a new prime minister, followed by the appointment of a new cabinet on July 21. The swearing-in ceremony for the ministers is expected to take place in late next month.
“I am more than delighted to serve Gen Prayut, and this sentiment will never change,” Pirapan affirmed. “It is a choice I have made to stand by Gen Prayut until the very last moment of his tenure as prime minister.”
Meanwhile, Akanat Promphan, the UTN’s secretary-general, informed that the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) are in the process of obtaining certification from the Election Commission (EC) and registering themselves with the House.
Pirapan can acquire his EC certification at his convenience, as MP registration remains open until the first parliamentary meeting.
In addition, Thanakorn Wangboonkong-chana, the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and a UTN list MP, refuted an earlier media report suggesting that Gen Prayut was packing up and preparing to vacate his Government House office.
Thanakorn clarified that Gen Prayut has been reporting to work every day and is well aware of the timeline for his departure. The government is fully prepared to facilitate a smooth transfer of power to the incoming administration, added Mr. Thanakorn.
