The deputy junta head has announced that the regime will set up its own political party if it is ‘necessary’.
On 6 November 2017, Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, the deputy junta head and Defence Minister, told media that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will establish a political party if it is ‘necessary’, according to Voice TV.
Responded to the question whether the NCPO could confirm that it would not form a political party, he said he would not be involved.
Prawit then dismissed the rumour that the NCPO is supporting the establishment of Palang Chart Thai Party under the leadership of a military officer named Maj Gen Songklod Thiprat.
He told media that he did not know who Songklod is and did not know about the party either, insisting that no NCPO officer has been involved in founding a political party to his knowledge.
Similar to what the junta leader announced last week, he said that the political situation is still chaotic. Therefore, the ban on political activity will remain in place to ensure social order and stability.
According to Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, the general election will be held in November 2018.
Gen Prawit Wongsuwan (file photo)
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