Parties jostle to extend the life of NCPO

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his key deputy Somkid Jatusripitak exchange greetings at a meeting of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee. (File photo by Chanat Katanyu)

Three groups of political players are on the move in setting up parties to extend the life of the National Council for Peace and Order (NPCO) and support Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to continue as prime minister after the election. All three are working separately, but in essence are moving towards building leverage in the political numbers game.

First is Paiboon Nititawan, a former member of the National Reform Council, who has been outspoken in support of Gen Prayut all along. And he is not coy about his tactics. At a press conference to announce the formation of the People Reform Party, Mr Paiboon declared he will find at least 125 members of parliament, which when combined with the 250 "selected" senators, will open the door for an "outsider", or unelected person to become prime minister.

Suranand Vejjajiva was secretary-general to the prime minister during the Yingluck Shinawatra government and is now a political analyst.

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