Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is delaying his acceptance of Palang Pracharath Party's (PPRP) nomination as the party's prime ministerial candidate, despite the fact that he had long been tipped to be chosen as one of the party's candidate.
In what is seen as an attempt to deter reporters from asking him on a daily basis, he said he has until Feb 8 to consider political parties' invitation.
"I have until Feb 8 to think about it. I'll thank them for inviting me," he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, PPRP nominated Gen Prayut as one of its nominated candidate. The party plans to extend a formal invitation to Gen Prayut today at Government House.
Feb 8 is the last day for the registration of candidates, and political parties are required to submit their list of prime ministerial candidates by the end of that day.
Gen Prayut has been chosen along with Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and PPRP leader Uttama Savanayana as the party's prime ministerial candidates.
Mr Somkid, who is visiting Japan, said Gen Prayut is well-suited to lead the country during the transition period, and that he hopes the premier will accept the invitation.
He said he has yet to be formally approached by the PPRP and declined to discuss his prospects until his return from Japan.
PPRP spokesman Kobsak Pootrakool said PPRP key figures, led by Mr Uttama, will see Gen Prayut at Government House later in the afternoon to extend the invitation.
Mr Kobsak said the party will unveil all of its 500 election candidates, along with the party's policy platforms tomorrow afternoon in Bangkok's Nong Chok district.
"There will be some new policies, and I can guarantee there will be good surprises," he said.
Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party has agreed to nominate Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, former transport minister Chadchart Sittipunt and former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri as its prime ministerial candidates.
According to Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai, the party will field candidates in 250 constituencies -- 51 in the North, 112 in the Northeast, 55 in the central region, 10 in the South, and 22 in Bangkok -- and field 100 candidates in the party list system.
"We're fielding the candidates in the constituencies we are most confident of winning," he said.
