BANGKOK: Thailand’s caretaker leader Anutin Charnvirakul was picked by his party today to stand as its candidate for prime minister in a general election in early February, as he bids to benefit from a wave of nationalism arising from an ongoing border conflict with Cambodia.
Less than 100 days after he was elected premier, Anutin dissolved parliament earlier this month when his minority government faced the threat of a no-confidence vote.
Speaking to party members and supporters today, Anutin said he and his Bhumjaithai party were ready to return to power, describing the Feb 8 election as “the most consequential poll” for the conservative political outfit since its formation in 2008.