Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha reiterated on Tuesday that he would not quit his premiership if the draft charter fails to pass the referendum this coming Sunday but a new constitution will be drafted so that there is an election in accordance with the roadmap.
He said that the government would not set up a “war room” to monitor the voting on Sunday but would wait for official reports from relevant officials about the outcome of the referendum.
He disclosed that the cabinet would convene on Tuesday to discuss the next step to be taken after having received the formal result of the referendum. If the draft charter fails to be endorsed by the public in the referendum, he said a new draft would be written so that there will be an election in accordance with the roadmap.
The prime minister made clear that he would not resign nor would he reshuffle his cabinet if the draft charter is rejected.
Asked about his relationship with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan who was suggested by former deputy prime minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul to take over from General Prayut in case the draft charter is rejected, the prime minister said that he had known Gen Prawit for more than 30 years and their relationship remains strong.
“We keep in touch not because of vested interests or because I was the army chief but because we have mutual trust, confidence and respect for each other throughout the past 50 years,” said the prime minister.
“We will never fight with each other no matter someone want to see us quarrel. He (Gen Prawit) is my senior and I am the government leader. I respect him because he is my senior and has more experiences. Whom I should trust more? “
