The Pheu Thai Party has challenged Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to take part in policy debates as a prime ministerial candidate with other parties as questions remain whether it is legal for him to do so in such a capacity.
Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister in the March 24 election, said yesterday that Gen Prayut already wears three hats -- as a prime minister, a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) candidate for prime minister in the poll, and the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
She was responding to reporters' questions whether the PPRP will have an edge over other parties if the Election Commission (EC) allows Gen Prayut to help with the PPRP's election campaign.
She said the prime minister's recent visits to meet people in several provinces were veiled attempts to canvass for votes.
However, Gen Prayut, as a prime ministerial candidate, should attend all debate forums to show his visions along with other prime ministerial candidates so that voters can decide who they will choose, Khunying Sudarat said.
PPRP secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong said yesterday that the party had written to the EC to ask for advice on the dos and don'ts for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as its candidate for prime minister in the lead-up to the election.
EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma said yesterday the commission will give an answer on the issue in 30 days from receiving the letter from the PPRP.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam previously said that it was agreed at a meeting between the EC and various other agencies that Gen Prayut is not permitted by law to help the PPRP canvass for votes after Gen Prayut agreed to become the PPRP's prime ministerial candidate.