Pheu Thai’s Chaikasem ready to replace PM if needed

One of the Pheu Thai party’s prime ministerial candidates, Chaikasem Nitisiri, said today that he is physically fit and ready to assume the premiership if Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra decides to step down or is removed from the post.

He said he has not yet been contacted by the party on the matter, adding that the political situation has not reached the point where the prime minister is unable to carry on or she has, or is about to be removed from the office by the Constitutional Court.

The former attorney-general said that he does not need to prepare, because he believes he can cope with any situation.

Regarding his physical health, Chaikasem admitted that he had suffered from heat stroke during the election campaign about two years ago, which made it difficult to walk steadily, but, he claims, he has recovered and plays golf as normal.

He also said that he has not been in contact with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, for a long time, probably because his services are not needed.

He also said he believes Paetongtarn can carry on for quite some time, because there are many people, including her family, who are ready to jump to her rescue, unless she decides to give up.

Two other prime ministerial candidates of the party were Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra.