11-7-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, declared his retirement from politics on Tuesday, marking the end of his nine-year tenure since seizing power in a military coup. He assured the public that he would only remain in charge temporarily.
Prayuth’s decision was widely anticipated following his party’s disappointing performance in the May 14 election. The United Thai Nation party, backed by the military, secured just 36 seats out of 500 in the House of Representatives. Until a new government is formed, he will continue serving as the caretaker premier.
As a staunch royalist, the former army chief led a junta until an election was held in 2019. Parliament then selected him to serve an additional four-year term as prime minister, a move that his opponents claimed was pre-determined.
Dismissing these allegations, Prayuth, aged 69, stated that he had achieved numerous accomplishments during his tenure. In a statement, he said, “As prime minister, I have worked tirelessly to safeguard the nation, religion, and monarchy for the benefit of the beloved people. The results are now evident and benefiting the public. I have endeavored to strengthen the country in all aspects, promoting stability and peace while overcoming numerous domestic and international challenges.”
Since his coup in 2014, Prayuth has weathered multiple challenges, including court cases, votes of confidence in the parliament, and street protests by opponents who viewed him as an opportunist lacking a legitimate public mandate.
His retirement announcement comes as the new parliament prepares to convene on Thursday to determine the next prime minister, a decision that remains uncertain.
