Commerce Minister and Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit has declared himself ready to be nominated as the party's prime ministerial candidate ahead of next year's expected election.
He said the party hopes to win more seats in parliament in the polls, slated tentatively for May 7.
A party must have at least 25 MPs to be eligible to nominate three prime ministerial candidates at most. The Democrats won 53 seats in the previous 2019 general election.
"Every leader of this party must be ready to become prime minister … so, yes, considering my work experience, political ideology, critical thinking and achievements, I'm ready.
"I have never been more sure that I am prepared [to be prime minister]," Mr Jurin said.
He said the party expects to capture more seats both in Bangkok and the South, its traditional stronghold, this time round.
In the last election, the party faced stiff competition and came away with just 22 seats in the South.
The next polls are expected to be just as tough for a party shaken by recent defections and widely considered to be going through a rough patch.
Meanwhile, a poll has named Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the strongest contender for the premiership.
Conducted by researcher Termsak Chalermpalanupap, the findings were published last Friday by the Yusof Ishak Institute, formerly known as the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies of Singapore.
Mr Anutin, who is also a deputy prime minister and the public health minister, is likely to win support from the 250 senators who will vote for their candidate, as the power struggle between the pro-Thaksin Shinawatra Pheu Thai Party and the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) continues, according to the study.
