19-7-2023 (BANGKOK) Pheu Thai sources have revealed that the party is prepared to form an alternative coalition, excluding the Move Forward Party (MFP), if MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat fails to secure sufficient support to become the prime minister in parliament. As Pita faces various hurdles in his bid, it is anticipated that he will be unable to garner the necessary backing during the second round of voting scheduled for today.
The first obstacle Pita encounters is the potential citation of parliamentary meeting regulation No.41 by his critics, particularly the 250 senators. This regulation prohibits the resubmission of a motion rejected by parliament during the same session, effectively blocking his renomination.
In the event of rejection, the PM vote will need to be rescheduled, providing an opportunity for Pheu Thai to nominate its own candidate. Sources indicate that Srettha Thavisin, one of the party’s three PM candidates, is the expected nominee.
According to insiders, the formation of a new coalition government with the MFP appears unlikely as most senators have expressed their refusal to support the party due to its position on amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law.
To overcome this hurdle, Pheu Thai plans to take the lead in establishing the new government, excluding the MFP while attempting to include some parties from the outgoing government. The Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, and Chartthaipattana parties are among those being considered for the coalition, boasting a combined number of approximately 300 MPs.
“This composition is highly probable, but it requires the agreement and approval of the mentioned parties, as well as the senators, before the next round of voting if Mr Pita fails in his bid today,” stated the sources.
They added, “This is a significant matter. Pheu Thai may face criticism, but we hope the public will comprehend the situation. We cannot have everything, but we won’t lose everything either.”
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of Pheu Thai’s three PM candidates, confirmed that the party would nominate Srettha Thavisin for the coveted role of prime minister if the joint parliamentary session rejects Pita’s nomination on Wednesday.
“The Pheu Thai Party will nominate Mr Srettha Thavisin. This is crystal clear,” stated Ms Paetongtarn, who is the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Both Thaksin and Ms Paetongtarn expressed their expectation that Thaksin would soon return to Thailand after years in exile, despite the possibility of legal action.
Ms Paetongtarn affirmed that Pheu Thai would fully support Mr Pita before nominating Mr Srettha if the latter’s bid is rejected.
Mr Pita previously failed to secure the required majority vote during a joint sitting of the House and the Senate on July 13.
On Monday, the eight potential coalition allies resolved to renominate Mr Pita on Wednesday, although critics argue that this process cannot continue indefinitely.
Ms Paetongtarn explained that she supports Mr Srettha due to his expertise in business and economics. Mr Srettha previously served as the president of real estate developer Sansiri Plc.
“The focus is on when we can form the new government. It is in the public interest because the nation must move forward,” she asserted. “The focus is on what we can do to develop the nation, to build up the confidence of international investors.”
When asked about a senator’s promise to support Pheu Thai on the condition that the MFP is excluded from the coalition, Ms Paetongtarn responded that the eight parties would discuss the matter.
“Please allow the party executives to have their discussions. This issue is highly sensitive,” she urged.
In response to reporters’ inquiries, Ms Paetongtarn revealed that she had not yet considered whether she would assume a ministerial portfolio in the new government.
She later disclosed that her father had decided to postpone his return until the political situation stabilizes and the vote to select the nation’s 30th prime minister concludes.
Thaksin had previously expressed his desire to return before his birthday on July 26.
