The United Thai Nation Party has nominated Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the party’s first candidate for next prime minister, followed by party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
Each party can nominate up to three candidates for the post.
The party revealed its 400 candidates today (Saturday), who will run in all constituencies across the country.
Akanat Promphan, the party’s secretary-general, said that they have recruited several veteran politicians to lead election campaigns in each region and in Bangkok, where 33 constituency seats are up for grabs.
For instance, the electoral campaigns in Bangkok will be led by former Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang, former MP Chuenchob Kongudom and Boonyod Sooktinthai. The north will be run by Juti Krairiksh, while the central region will be led by former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin, Anucha Nakasai and Rangsima Rodrasamee among others.
Prayut thanked the party for having faith in him and for nominating him as the first candidate for the next prime minister. He then proposed Pirapan as the second nominee which was approved by the party.
Although the party is just seven months old, he said he is not a “new face” in Thai politics and the party’s campaign message is to continue with the policies already implemented by his government.
He said that the party will lead the country in overcoming political conflict, while not forgetting the past, as he promised that the party will refrain from mud-slinging in its campaigning.
Prayut insists he is confident that the United Thai Nation Party will win the election, otherwise he would not have joined.
