Today, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will visit Ratchaburi as part of a series of provincial trips before his four-year term ends on March 23.
On Friday, he visited Chachoengsao, the premier's first provincial visit since being discharged from Phramongkutklao Hospital where he was treated for an infection in his hand.
Right after he was discharged from hospital, the PM promptly visited Songkhla and Yala on Saturday. He still has several scheduled trips to come, including to Narathiwat, Ranong and Chiang Mai.
Despite the visits in his capacity as prime minister, it is inevitable to think his eager provincial visits involve hidden political campaigning because Gen Prayut is a key figure of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, which is running in the election expected in May.
It is essential that Gen Prayut avoid any move that could be considered a conflict of interest. He can't campaign for the election while on the government's clock.
However, what society is witnessing is coalition party members, including the prime minister, generously approving benefits for the public. Critics cannot be blamed for criticising the UTN and other coalition parties for gaining an advantage over their political rivals during the campaign season. This could keep the country in a cycle of endless division.
The cabinet last week approved doubling the monthly allowance for 1.09 million village-based health volunteers nationwide from 1,000 to 2,000 baht.
Gen Prayut; Anutin Charnvirakul, deputy prime minister and public health minister from the Bhumjaithai Party, and Sathit Pitutecha, deputy public health minister from the Democrat Party, posted about it on their Facebook pages to highlight the allowance increase as an achievement.
Gen Prayut earlier announced a salary increase for the staff of tambon administration organisations, a move that benefits more than 400,000 people, drawing criticism that he was trying to gain votes from TAO staff.
Intentionally or not, these actions taken by the government regarding budget and resource allocations can have an impact on how people cast their votes.
It is time for the prime minister to dissolve the House and call for a new general election to restore democratic trust and ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
It is acceptable for Gen Prayut to regain his premiership after the elections through a fair contest. Like it or not, Gen Prayut might not be down and out as critics and opponents forewarned.
The general still has a high chance of returning as prime minister thanks to the 250 junta-appointed senators.
It would not be a surprise if a majority of senators back him whenever his name is proposed for voting in parliament.
If there is a House dissolution, Gen Prayut and his government still hold an advantage as they will remain as a caretaker of the government until a new one is formed.
Thailand's trust and faith in democracy have been repeatedly undermined by military coups, which were followed by charter amendments to help them maintain political power. The upcoming election is crucial in restoring trust and faith in democracy and moving the country forward.
This is why it is time for a House dissolution for it ensures a fair and transparent electoral process from the outset.
