Thailand: Four cabinet members resign to compete in election
Several members of the Thai cabinet resigned on January 29 to focus on the Palang Pracharath Party’s campaign, ahead of the general election scheduled for March 24.
Bangkok (VNA) – Severalmembers of the Thai cabinet resigned on January 29 to focus on the PalangPracharath Party’s campaign, ahead of the general election scheduled for March24.
The four resigned ministers includedIndustry Minister and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party Uttama Savanayana;Commerce Minister and secretary general of the party Sontirat Sontijirawong;Science and Technology Minister and deputy leader of the party Suvit Maesincee,and Prime Minister's Office Minister and spokesman of the party KobsakPootrakool.
They have faced pressure from other partieswho claimed that the ministers will enjoy advantages during the electioncampaign if they still keep positions in the cabinet.
Speaking to the media, Uttama saidthat the resignation decision was made voluntarily. He pledged that he and hisfellow Palang Pracharath Party members will use their time towards the party’s electioncampaign.
Last week, Thailand’s Election Commission announced thatthe country’s much delayed general election to restore a civilian governmentwill be held on March 24. This will be the first general election in thecountry after the military coup in 2014. The election will see the competitionof the Pheu Thai and Democrat Party following the removal of a ban on theirpolitic activities last month.–VNA
Thailand’s Election Commission announced on January 23 that the country’s much delayed general election to restore a civilian government will be held on March 24.
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Thai ministers (Source: EPA) 
