BANGKOK, Jan 29(TNA) – Amid mounting pressure, four Thai
Cabinet ministers who will contest in March 24 general election announce their
resignation on Tuesday.
There has been a call for months from rival parties and
opposition pressing the ministers to leave the posts after they formed Palang
Pracharat Party.
Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, Science and Technology
Minister Suvit Maesincee, Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong and Minister
attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Kobsak Pootrakool told reporters at
Government that they had tendered their resignations which would be effective
on Wednesday.
However, Commerce Minister Sontirat said they made the
decision based on the country’s benefit not from political pressure.
“This decision reaffirms our stance to work for the country
with transparency,” he said.
Uttama, who is the party leader, refused to confirm whether
pro-junta Palang Pracharat Party will nominate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
as prime minister candidate.
He said party members would decide on the party’s nomination
and submit a list to the Election Commission by February 8.
It is widely speculated that Palang Pracharat will push for
Prime Minister Prayut to keep his job after the election.(TNA)
