Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha forcefully asserts his decision to stay in power throughout the election process, during a news conference at Government House on Friday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has bluntly reiterated his rejection of calls by political parties to relinquish administrative power once he decides to run as a party's candidate for the premiership after the general election. He confirmed his position only hours before the Palang Pracharath Party was due to formally invite him to be a candidate for the prime ministership. "They cannot pressure me," an emotional prime minister told a news conference promoting the government's efforts during the past four years and nine months. Gen Prayut, who seized power by military coup, said former US president Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not step down when they were seeking another term in office.

Source: Bangkok Post February 01, 2019 08:48 UTC