BANGKOK, Feb 8 (TNA) – Princess Ubolratana, the elder
sister of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is named prime ministerial
candidate of Thaksin Shinawatra-linked
Thai Raksa Chart Party.
The move came on the last day of candidate registration for
the March 24 general election, as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also
formally accepted an invitation to stand as prime ministerial candidate under
the Palang Pracharath Party’s banner.
Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya has been a commoner after she
renounced her royal status in 1972.
However, she is treated as royalty by the Thai public.
After a rumour of her nomination spread on Thursday, it was
confirmed to the media only when Thai Raksa Chart Party leader Preechaphol
Phongpanich pulled out his party’s document bearing a photo of the Princess
from an envelope to file with Election Commission officials.
Preechaphol announced afterward that Princess Ubolratana had
accepted the party invitation to be the prime ministerial candidate.
He said the princess’s candidacy was decided by the Party’s
executives out of the fact that she had been active in social works with great
experiences, and most importantly she could foster national unity.
The Princess’ decision to align herself with pro-Thaksin
camp is shocking to many because the former prime minister has been accused of
anti-monarchy by the country’s royalists.
Shortly after the announcement, Prayut issued a statement
accepting pro-junta Palang Pracharat party’s invitation to be its prime
ministerial candidate.
The decision was made after a careful consideration without
the intent to cling on to power but the will to work for benefits of the
country and the people, his statement says.
Friday is the last days for parties to file the names of
candidates of all three categories – constituency, party-list and prime
ministerial candidates – for the March 24 vote, the first since May 2014
military coup. (TNA)
