Pandemic gives Prayut leverage to extend stay powerPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha holds a press conference at Government House on Tuesday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)It is a year since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha returned to power as a civilian leader, but his government already has its sights set on staying in power beyond the remaining three years of its term. The first 12 months have presented many challenges for the Prayut regime, including anti-government protests and the coronavirus pandemic, which has sent the Southeast Asian economy into a tailspin. Student-led anti-government protests are expected to continue but are unlikely to upend the political landscape, one of the sources said. He accused the government of using "various mechanisms to cling onto power" while trampling on society's basic rights.

Source: Bangkok Post July 03, 2020 03:45 UTC