Many people think Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha should announce to the public that he will stay on as a prime minister until the eight-year limit on his premiership expires, which is this month, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll on the eight-year limit on Gen Prayut’s premiership and the political future of the three ‘Por’ generals was conducted from August 2 to 4 on 1,312 people aged 18 and above of various levels of education, occupations and incomes nationwide. The three ‘Por’ generals refer to Gen Prayut, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda.
Asked about the prime minister’s tenure, a majority of respondents – 64.25% – said Gen Prayut should announce that he will serve for up to eight years as stipulated by the constitution. If so, his premiership ends on Aug 24.
The poll showed 32.93% of respondents would want the prime minister to wait for a Constitutional Court ruling on the matter, while the rest, 2.82%, had no comment or were not interested.
When asked whether the three ‘Por’ generals will play a role in forming a new government after the next election, 55.18% believed that all three ministers will not have a political role after the polls. 27.36% of the respondents said Gen Prawit, as leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), will continue to have a crucial role; 24.77% picked Gen Prayut; and 19.44% chose Gen Anupong. The remaining 5.18% did not comment or were not interested.