Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may consider ending his political career, United Thai Nation Party’s deputy leader Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Monday.

Thanakorn said he personally believes this to be the case, but Prayut has not spoken to him about his plans for the future.

“He has worked for the country throughout his life and for the benefit of Thai people throughout his eight years as the prime minister. I personally believe that it is enough for him in the political arena,” said Thanakorn.

He was speaking after the United Thai Nation Party, with Prayut as their prime ministerial candidate, failed to win as many as parliamentary seats as expected.

According to the Election Commission’s unofficial results, the party won 23 constituency and 13 party list seats in the House. With Prayut as their prime ministerial candidate, many believe that the party should have won more.

Upon learning the results of the election, the party’s executives discussed the future during an unofficial meeting.

Thanakorn said he joined the party because of Prayut, so he would follow any of Prayut’s decisions. Thanakorn is the PM’s Office Minister in Prayut government.

“At least Prayut will be in Thais’ minds for long time,” Thanakorn said.

Under the circumstances, he wished Prayut happiness in his life because, since he became prime minister, he has “gone nowhere”.

Thanakorn thanked the Thai people who trusted and voted for his party. Voting results for the party in southern provinces met their target, particularly in his home of Nakhon Si Thammarat.