Some 23 million voters to snub pro-Prayut parties, candidates: Academic

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

SOME 23 MILLION VOTERS are expected to reject any parties and candidates who may have vowed to endorse Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s design to prolong his rule after an upcoming general election, according to a noted academic.

Thammasat University law lecturer Prinya Thaewanarumitkul predicted today (Feb.25) that as many as 23 million voters will ultimately not pick the pro-Prayut parties and constituency-based candidates in the nationwide election.

The estimated number of anti-Prayut voters will include some three million first-time voters, Prinya said.

About 39 millions out of a total of about 52 million eligible voters are expected to go to the polls tentatively scheduled for May 7, according to the Thammasat law lecturer.

Nevertheless, Prinya remarked that Prayut who is contesting to retain power under the Ruam Thai Sang Chart tickets would primarily anticipate unfaltering support as head of a post-election government from 250 senators, all of whom had been handpicked by himself and Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan.

Though the Ruam Thai Sang Chart and other parties might probably secure less than half the total of 500 MP seats, Prayut could possibly become prime minister and head a minority government, given at least 126 MPs on his side plus the decisive yea votes from the unelected senators, Prinya said.

A partisan contender for prime minister is legally obliged to secure yea votes from over half the total of MPs and senators combined or at least 376.

Prayut could possibly manage to recruit a number of renegade MPs from among those on the other side of the House chamber aisle to make a meagre majority one at a later date as had been the case after the previous election, Prinya said.

But the Thammasat academic said he considered such possibilities as an irregular and undemocratic phenomenon which, he said, will undoubtedly be unwelcome by most people, especially those who will go to the polls.

CAPTIONS:

Top: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha campaigning today, Feb. 25, 2023. Photo: Matichon

Front Page: Thammasat University law lecturer Prinya Thaewanarumitkul. Photo: Thai Rath

Also read: Thaksin in HK to monitor Pheu Thai campaign In Chiang Mai

Ruam Thai Sang Chart leader challenged to show evidence on renting grey senator’s property

Legal action could be taken against polling agency over pro-Prayut event

Ruam Thai Sang Chart forecasts Pheu Thai dissolution: Chonlanan