The World - News from July 28, 1988

Prem Tinsulanonda has turned down offers to return to the Thai prime minister’s post for another term, party officials said in Bangkok. In the wake of last Sunday’s Thai election, five parties had agreed to form a coalition government to be headed by Prem. But Prem, 67, a former army commander who has been prime minister for eight years, rejected the proposal. In Thailand, the major parties select a prime ministerial candidate, who does not have to be a member of Parliament. Some Thai analysts said Prem still might decide to take the position after further discussions.