14-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Pheu Thai Party is set to propose Srettha Thavisin as their candidate for prime minister, expecting him to receive immediate support without the need to attend the joint sitting of parliament. Party secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong made the announcement on Monday, stating that key party members had confirmed Mr. Srettha as their choice.
Addressing speculation that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, another registered candidate from the party, could be nominated instead, Mr. Prasert dismissed such claims. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
“We expect around 270 members of the House of Representatives to support Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate. We are also seeking support from the Senate, and I believe many senators will back the Pheu Thai candidate,” stated the party secretary-general. “Therefore, I am confident that Mr. Srettha will be elected right away.”
According to the constitution, the prime minister is selected through a joint vote by the 500 House representatives and 250 senators.
Mr. Prasert affirmed that Pheu Thai Party welcomes supporting votes from all political parties, including those aligned with caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
When asked about senators’ demand for Mr. Srettha to provide qualifications in parliament, Mr. Prasert clarified that since Mr. Srettha is not a member of parliament, his presence during the prime ministerial voting is not required.
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha stated that the joint sitting of the House and the Senate may reconvene on either Friday this week or Tuesday next week for the prime ministerial vote. However, he expressed a preference to first await a ruling from the Constitutional Court, expected on Wednesday, regarding the parliament’s resolution rejecting the renomination of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister on July 19.
