18-7-2023 (BANGKOK) Srettha Thavisin, one of the three prime minister candidates for Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party, has announced his readiness to take on the top job if his party nominates him. The declaration was made amidst rumors that he could be selected if the Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, is unable to be re-nominated for the post of prime minister.
Srettha said that his party had discussed the matter for four months and that he was ready to assume the position of prime minister. However, he stressed that the more pressing issue currently was to speed up the formation of a new coalition government and implement economic stimulus measures.
He added that the slowing economy was a major concern, and Pheu Thai’s primary responsibility was to address the urgent problem. The priority issues that need immediate attention are free trade agreement talks and the risk of foreign investments shifting to neighboring countries.
Regarding the possibility of Pheu Thai joining a rival bloc of parties to form a new government, Srettha declined to comment. A Pheu Thai Party source revealed that if Pita is unable to be re-nominated or fails to gain enough votes during the joint sitting, the party will first propose deferring the vote until next week. Then, if necessary, Srettha will be nominated for the post of prime minister.
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy leader of Pheu Thai, urged the Move Forward Party to focus on successfully forming a new coalition government rather than being distracted by their campaign to amend Section 272 of the constitution. The amendment would terminate the Senate’s right to vote in a prime ministerial selection. He further stated that the tourism sector was eager to know when the new government would take office and expressed concern about the impact of political uncertainty on Thailand.
