Thailand's ruling party fashions itself as a peacemaker before polls

It has tried to cut ties with military-linked politics, shown openness to collaboration

- Tan Tam Mei

BANGKOK - Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has been turning heads of late, dressed in jeans, sneakers and trendy attire.

Earlier in March, the 77-year-old donned a jacket featuring a striking image of a highlighter-pink dragon and an orange tiger, designed by Thai fashion label Issue, while strolling on the streets.

Attire apart, the former army chief, who is linked with previous military coups, is also branding himself as a political peacemaker.

In its bid to retain power, the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) which he leads is also positioning itself as a party seeking reconciliation, looking to rebuild democracy and end decades-long polarised politics in Thailand.

"The PPRP will bring love and unity to the nation. It's time for us to stop fighting among ourselves.

We, the Thai people, must join hands, so the country can move forward for the happiness of everyone," he said at a rally on Saturday in Bangkok.

In 2014, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha came to power after overthrowing the elected government of then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The 2019 General Election saw the emergence of the PPRP, which helped Mr Prayut to return as civilian prime minister when it nominated him for the premiership.

Mr Prayut and Mr Prawit were once close allies, along with Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda. All are former army chiefs who were part of the junta government after the 2014 coup.

But this alliance came to an end when Mr Prayut announced his departure from the PPRP in December 2022 to join the new Ruam Thai Sang Chart party, which said it will support him in his goal for re-election.

On Friday, Mr Prayut said he had prepared an order to dissolve Parliament. It will take effect once it gets royal approval, paving the way for the general election that must happen within 60 days of the order.