24-6-2023 (BANGKOK) Observers agree that the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) efforts to form a coalition government are slipping away. Even if the MFP-led coalition takes power, it could fall apart due to disastrous internal strife. The MFP and the Pheu Thai Party, the two largest likely coalition partners, are already displaying signs of strife in their relationship.
The MFP came out as the biggest party in the elections, but it is in the minority in terms of its hardline political ideology, which the party intends to implement as government policies. The MFP’s stance on the proposed amendment to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law, has isolated it, which is not helpful at this crucial juncture.
Political events are approaching, which will break or make the MFP as a ruling party. Tentatively, parliament will convene a meeting a day after it reopens following the election to elect a new House speaker on July 6.
The MFP and Pheu Thai are determined to claim the legislative branch’s top post. The MFP views it as a vital conduit for listing the laws it wishes to push onto the parliamentary agenda, while Pheu Thai argues that as the second-largest coalition partner, it deserves the post as much as the MFP.
Political parties are gearing up for their first crucial vote now that the Election Commission (EC) has endorsed all 500 newly-elected MPs. Under Section 121 of the constitution, the first parliamentary session must be convened within 15 days from the day the EC endorses at least 95% of all MPs-elect.
Their first task following the official opening is to choose among themselves the House speaker and two deputies. It is widely speculated that their selection will take place within 10 days of the new parliamentary session convening.
The MFP, which won 151 seats, insists that as the election winner, it is traditionally entitled to the post. Pheu Thai, which secured 141 seats, argues that since the gap in the number of seats won by the two parties is small — only 10 seats — the House speaker post should belong to it.
The dispute faded from media focus after they decided to settle it through dialogue. However, the issue surfaced again when Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai was quoted as saying his party had agreed to hand the position to the MFP in exchange for two Pheu Thai deputy House speakers.
While Mr Phumtham’s remarks drew praise from some academics and thanks from MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon, some Pheu Thai MPs were angry and did not hide their feelings.
Pheu Thai list-MP Adisorn Piangket believed the party was making too many concessions despite the fact that the MFP won only 151 seats, way below a majority in the 500-seat chamber.
According to him, Pheu Thai has tried its best to avoid conflicts with the MFP to keep the bloc intact and prevent the other camp from forming a rival coalition with Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon as prime minister.
Mr Adisorn said the prospect of a PPRP-led minority government, with 188 seats from the former government coalition, could never be ruled out as long as the Senate is allowed to co-select the prime minister.
However, Mr Phumtham has clarified that he did not mean to say the party was giving up on the House speaker post. As a matter of fact, he was stating the principle that the position should go to the party which won the most votes in the general election.
A Pheu Thai source told the Bangkok Post that the party shows signs of backing down in its fight for the chief legislative post because key figures in Pheu Thai and the MFP can’t see how MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat can overcome obstacles he faces in getting elected as prime minister.
The MFP-led coalition needs support from MPs and senators to secure 376 votes in parliament to back Mr Pita’s bid. Given his questionable qualifications, it will be an uphill task to convince the MPs and senators to vote for him.
“The MFP will badly need the House speaker post to compensate for missing out on the PM role. Pheu Thai understands this and will let the MFP have it [the House speaker post],” said the source.
Observers feel that compromise is crucial at this point. The MFP and Pheu Thai need to find common ground to form a coalition government that can overcome the country’s political and economic challenges.
