The Prime Minister promises a fresh start, but faces tough competition in the upcoming general

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has officially embraced his nomination as the United Thai Nation party’s candidate for reelection in the upcoming general election. Speaking to 1,000 supporters at a rally near Bangkok, Prayuth pledged to create a “new political climate” and end the decades-long cycle of political conflict that has plagued Thailand.

Prayuth, who led a military coup in 2014, seized power after violent protests against the elected government. His tenure has been marked by both military-imposed stability and subsequent unrest, particularly following his 2019 selection as prime minister, which was followed by harsh measures to suppress student-led pro-democracy protests.

Despite his promises of stability, Prayuth faces significant challenges in securing another term. Opinion polls show him trailing behind opposition candidates, including Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the Pheu Thai party, daughter of the influential populist ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In addition, Prayuth must contend with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, a political rival with substantial influence in Thailand’s political circles.

The prime minister’s path to re-election is complicated further by the fact that, while the public votes for lawmakers, the prime minister is selected by a joint session of Parliament. In 2019, Prayuth enjoyed the backing of the Senate, a bloc likely to support a conservative candidate again this time.

Prayuth’s reelection bid comes at a critical juncture for Thailand, with many citizens hoping for a shift in leadership and an end to the political instability that has characterised the country’s modern history.