After she was elected Pheu Thai’s new leader yesterday (Friday), Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s comment about Paetongtarn Shinawatra now being qualified to be the next prime minister of Thailand was not indicating that he may resign, to pave way for Paetongtarn to succeed him, according to Phumtham Wechayachai, deputy party leader, today.

He dismissed speculation that Srettha may serve as prime minister for only two years and then pass the baton to Paetongtarn to serve for the remaining two years of the term.

The prime minister’s praise for Paetongtarn and images of him holding her hand after election as party leader have no hidden meaning, but are “just a show of admiration and mutual respect,” Phumtham explained.

Every party leader has a chance to become prime minister, he said, adding that Paetongtarn is more suitable, has more experience than the other party member and is ready to lead the party in the next general election in less than four years from now.