The 2018 Constitution is already designed to facilitate the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the military to maintain political power, even after the return to democracy, for example through the NCPO-appointed Senate members who can vote to select the Prime Minister.
If we consider the political stance of the Democrat Party, we cannot entirely trust them (particularly the party’s support for democracy), because they have been a supporter of the military’s role in Thai politics. Therefore, the public can see no indication that the Democrat Party will not support the military in the future.
With reference to Thai political history, we have observed compromises between the military and political parties when they share common interests. Recently, we have also observed newly registered political parties expressing their support for General Prayut Chan-O-Cha to be the next prime minister.
It is important for all political parties to demonstrate their stance against the appointment of an unelected prime minister. If the House of Representatives stays firm on this matter, then it could act as an effective mechanism to minimise the opportunity for Thailand to have an unelected prime minister.
I questioned recent Democrat Party announcement of their opposition to an unelected prime minister, about whether it is only intended to boost its popularity against amongst young voters, who are now leaning towards the Future Forward Party, rather than a committed intention to oppose the appointment of an unelected prime minister. This facelift strategy of the Democrat Party is unlikely to significantly improve the damaged reputation of the party as an anti-democratic party.
Indeed, in the current political context, the term “unelected prime minister” is implicitly used to refer to either the military or General Prayut Chan-O-Cha. Thus, this implies the continuity of the NCPO and the military after the return to democracy, despite falling support for Prayut remaining in power.
If “unelected prime minister” is a highly qualified person or a successful businessman, there perhaps be less resistance. Therefore, if General Prayut Chan-O-Cha and the NCPO intend to continue their roles in Thai politics, they will have to go through political channels, just like other politicians.
