14-8-2024 (BANGKOK) Following the court-ordered removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the House of Representatives is set to convene on Friday to select a new prime minister. The decision to hold the vote quickly was confirmed by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who issued a notice for MPs to assemble at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Wisuth Chainarun, the government chief whip from the Pheu Thai Party, indicated that discussions among government and opposition representatives, along with the caretaker cabinet, led to the consensus that a vote should be expedited. Government whips are scheduled to meet on Thursday to finalise potential prime ministerial candidates.
Eligible candidates must be from the lists submitted by political parties before the May 2023 general election. With Mr. Srettha out of contention, Pheu Thai’s remaining options are party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri. However, Chaikasem, 75, is reportedly in poor health, and Paetongtarn’s candidacy hinges on her family’s decision, given the intense political pressure she would face.
Sources suggest that Chaikasem might be the chosen candidate after key government figures, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, reached an agreement during discussions on Wednesday night. Pheu Thai’s Secretary-General, Sorawong Thienthong, expressed hope that a Pheu Thai candidate would be nominated, given the party’s strong position in the coalition.
Caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who returned to Bangkok after cutting short an official trip to Kazakhstan, is set to chair a meeting on Thursday to discuss interim governance measures. The Constitutional Court’s ruling that led to Mr. Srettha’s dismissal was based on an ethical breach involving the appointment of a minister with a criminal record.
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, seen by many as a leading candidate for the premiership, reaffirmed the coalition’s strength and suggested that Pheu Thai, as the largest party, should take the lead in government formation. To secure the prime ministership, a candidate will need the support of at least 247 of the 493 current lawmakers. The 11-party coalition currently holds 314 seats, but if no candidate secures the necessary majority, the House will reconvene for another round of voting.
Other potential candidates for the prime minister role include Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, head of the Palang Pracharath Party, which is aligned with the military.
