Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha confirmed on 8 February that he will contest in the upcoming 24 March election as a candidate of the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha (Source: EPA-EFE)

Two other candidates of the party will be former Minister of Industry Uttama Savanayana and Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

Meanwhile, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, the elder sister of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is the sole Prime Ministerial candidate from the Thai Raksa Chart Party, whose members include former members of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s key political group, Pheu Thai.

Talking to reporters, Thai Raksa Chart Party leader Preechapol Pongpanich affirmed that the Princess is knowledgeable and is highly suitable.

Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) announced that the general election will be held on 24 March to restore civilian rule. This will be the first general election in the country since the military coup in 2014.

In January, the Thai administration lifted a ban on political activities, allowing parties to organise election campaigns.

(Source: VNA)