Thailand’s current prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, said today that key ministries related to the economy and security, such as Defence, Interior, Finance and Transport, should be part of the Palang Pracharat party’s cabinet quota.

He quickly added that the Palang Pracharat party’s wish to control the economic and security affairs ministries should not be mistaken for a bid to protect vested interests or monopolize key ministries.

“It is all about seamless working,” said the Prime Minister, adding that he didn’t know whether Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak would take the helm of the post-election economic team or whether Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan will join the Palang Pracharat-led government due to health problems.

Speaking with the media at Government House, the Prime Minister disclosed that his family would be concerned about his own health if he continues in office, “but they always give me moral support,” he said.

During the past five years as head of the government, he said that he had high expectations for achievement on several issues, but not all his expectations were met due the length of time some issues take to resolve.

He pleaded with all political stakeholders not to view the formation of the new government as just “sharing of cabinet seats”, but to look at the people who will join the cabinet.

Asked whether the new government will be short-lived, the Prime Minister said the longevity of the government would depend on its performance.

Commenting on Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit’s bid for the premiership, General Prayut suggested the young politician “fight his legal battles first, not with him”.