23-7-2023 (BANGKOK) Both the Bhumjaithai Party and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) have expressed their reluctance to join a coalition government being formed by the Pheu Thai Party if the Move Forward Party (MFP) remains part of the eight-party bloc.
The Pheu Thai Party, the second-largest vote-winner, has been trying to secure support from other parties to lead the coalition after the MFP failed to get its prime minister candidate elected. In response, the MFP announced on Friday that it would step back, allowing Pheu Thai to take the lead.
However, the Bhumjaithai Party and PPRP have insisted that they cannot participate in the coalition while the MFP is still part of it. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that their condition was not personal but due to the fundamental differences in working styles between Bhumjaithai and the MFP.
Dr. Cholnan, the leader of Pheu Thai, acknowledged this condition and hoped that MFP would voluntarily leave the coalition and join the opposition. Nevertheless, the party aims to gather support from around 300 MPs, excluding MFP MPs, to vote for their prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, in the upcoming vote on Thursday.
Additional support is expected from parties such as Bhumjaithai, PPRP, the Chartthaipattana Party, and some smaller parties. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader of PPRP, has decided not to take up any cabinet position but will allow his party to support the Pheu Thai-led formation of the new government.
Observers believe that while the MFP supporters may protest this side-switching, the opposition’s influence may not be powerful enough to halt the coalition’s formation. Pheu Thai is likely to highlight the potential return of power to caretaker Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha if their coalition fails.
Meanwhile, PPRP confirmed that they have had talks with Pheu Thai and agreed to work together only if the MFP is no longer part of the coalition. Negotiations will continue regarding the cabinet portfolio quota the PPRP will receive in return.
Chartpattanakla Party, another party involved in the discussions, has expressed support for a majority government but will not back any changes to Section 112 of the Criminal Code (the lese majeste law). The party is willing to join a Pheu Thai-led government and support their prime ministerial candidate as long as MFP’s policy to amend Section 112 does not persist.
United Thai Nation, the party founded to extend Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s political life after the 2014 coup, has also stated that they will not vote for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial nominee if the MFP remains in the coalition.
