Thai Prime Minister and United Thai Nation Party candidate Prayut Chan-O-Cha arrives for the registration of constituency candidates competing in upcoming general election, at the Thailand-Japan Youth Center stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)
BANGKOK – Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced on Tuesday his retirement from politics and resignation as a political party member.
The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party secured the fifth position in the May 14 general election, winning 36 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives
"I am announcing my retirement from politics and resigning as a member of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (United Thai Nation Party)," he said in a statement released by his party.
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"Throughout the past nine years as Prime Minister, I have dedicated myself to the benefit of the beloved people. These efforts have begun to bear fruit, strengthening our country in all aspects," he said.
Prayut will remain as the country's caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed.
The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party secured the fifth position in the May 14 general election, winning 36 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives.
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The announcement came ahead of the Thai parliament's bicameral National Assembly on Thursday, when the next prime minister will be elected.