Thai PM: Do you know what will happen if I resign?

The Thai PM has asked opposition MPs if they know what would happen if he resigns – then proceeded to tell them. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called on members of the opposition to clarify whether they want him to resign or to dissolve the House of Representatives.

Thai PBS World reports that his comment was in response to Pheu Thai MP Chulapant Amornvivat urging him to do the responsible thing and step down. The PM replied by asking if MPs knew what that would entail. He then went on to explain that if he resigns, Cabinet would technically be dissolved too, but be required to remain on in an acting capacity until there is a replacement Cabinet.

He added that a new PM would be elected by Parliament (under the current 2017 charter), but the winning candidate would need half of MP and Senators’ votes. He then pointed out that if he opts to dissolve the House of Representatives, all MPs lose their parliamentary status and a general election will be called.

Anti-government protests have been taking place since mid-July and show no sign of stopping. Indeed the royalist factions are now mounting counter-protests in support of the government and ‘status quo’ as regards the Thai monarchy. The primarily student-led movement is calling for the PM’s resignation, the dissolution of Parliament, fresh elections, and a Charter (constitution) re-write, among other demands. So far, the PM has held fast despite growing calls for him to go.

Protesters handed over a letter at the German Embassy last night.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World