Mingkwan To Become PPRP PM Candidate, Says Prayuth Has Left Party

Mingkwan Sangsuwan who joined the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on Tuesday is expected to become one of its prime ministerial candidates, the Bangkok Post reports.

• Mingkwan is former leader of the New Economics Party (NEP) and said he is not looking to join the PPRP's executive bodies, but the party may tap him to be its PM candidate in order for him to be able to participate in policy debates during the election campaign.
• Minggkwan noted that Prime Minister Prayuth "is no longer in the party," adding that "he got this information around noon." It had earlier been suggested that Prayuth could join the newly established United Thai Nation Party (UTN).
• Meanwhile, the main opposition Pheu Thai Party kicked off its campaign promising to raise minimum wages, which is central to the party's PM candidate Paetongtarn's vision for the country.
• The Election Commission has tentatively set May 7th 2023 as the date for the next general election, with the Prime Minister due to finish his term on March 23rd.