The Palang Pracharat party will invite Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to join the party, initially, as a party member and, eventually, to lead the party – replacing Mr. Uttama Savanayana.
According to a party source, Mr. Uttama has been assigned by the party to extend the invitation by presenting a membership application form to be completed. The party will then call a general meeting for changes to the executive committee, with a proposal that party member General Prayut be nominated as the new party leader.
The source explained that, during the pre and post-election periods, General Prayut came under heavy criticism for distancing himself from any political party but, at the same time, aspiring to stay on in power without contesting the election.
Meanwhile, Mr. Uttama outlined the government’s draft 12-point urgent policy platform for the first year, with emphasis on the Pracharat programs, such as the Pracharat welfare card and the Pracharat mother program, under which the state will provide subsidies to all Thai children from birth until they are six-years old.
Other urgent policies, to be implemented during the government’s first year, include:
- Increased allowances and skill training for the elderly, the disabled and the poor
- Quality health services
- Upgrades for village health volunteers
- A debt moratorium for village funds
- Help for farmers to improve their productivity, reduce costs and increase their income
