Thai coup plotter-turned-premier bids adieu to politics after 9 years in power

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday announced his retirement from politics, nine years after seizing power in a coup as army chief.

"From now on I want to quit politics, resigning as a member of the United Thai Nation (UTN) party,” Prayut said in a statement released by his party, according to the Bangkok Post.

Prayut will serve as caretaker premier until a new government is formed, the statement said.

Prayut did not run in the May 14 elections as his name was not on a party-list member parliament, but he did serve as the UTN's chief adviser and one of its two prime ministerial candidates.

The new premier will be chosen on July 14.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, is the favorite to become Thailand's 30th prime minister, but he needs 376 votes, while his coalition has the support of just over 310 lawmakers.

Limjaroenrat's chances of being chosen in the first round of voting on Thursday are uncertain, the daily said.