16-8-2023 (BANGKOK) In a significant political move, the Pheu Thai Party has extended an invitation to the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, which notably endorsed Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as its prime ministerial candidate during the election campaign, to join its coalition alliance. The UTN spokesperson, Akaradet Wongpitakrote, revealed this development on Tuesday, shedding light on potential shifts in Thailand’s political landscape.
Akaradet Wongpitakrote shared that UTN’s leader, Pirapan Salirathavabhaga, conveyed the invitation during a party meeting with its MPs on Tuesday. According to Wongpitakrote, Pheu Thai expressed its readiness to welcome UTN into a coalition government, emphasizing the intention to foster national progress.
“UTN is ready for discussions to let the nation move forward,” stated Akaradet Wongpitakrote, who also serves as an MP for Ratchaburi province.
When asked about potential conditions or preferences for cabinet positions, Wongpitakrote confirmed that UTN was open to collaborating across various ministries, indicating a flexible approach to cooperation.
The political scenario remains dynamic, with a parliamentary vote for prime minister expected soon. Akaradet Wongpitakrote disclosed that UTN’s MPs were advised to be prepared for the impending prime ministerial vote. This vote, contingent on a Constitutional Court verdict scheduled for Wednesday, pertains to a petition challenging a previous resolution that blocked the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party.
United Thai Nation (UTN) Party emerged this year with the aim of extending Gen Prayut’s political tenure. The general, who has led the government since orchestrating a coup in May 2014, garnered substantial support from conservative voters, securing UTN 4.7 million party-list votes. This electoral performance positioned UTN third, trailing the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties.
While UTN secured 23 constituency seats, it augmented its representation with 13 list seats, bringing the total to 36. However, the political landscape evolved to reveal that even if the party nominated Gen Prayut for the prime ministerial role, garnering sufficient parliamentary support remained uncertain. Subsequently, Gen Prayut announced on July 11 his decision to step away from politics once a new government was established.
Pheu Thai Party’s leader, Phumtham Wechayachai, acknowledged the ongoing negotiations with UTN and Palang Pracharath, led by Gen Prayut’s longtime ally, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon. Wechayachai remarked on Tuesday that discussions were making headway, with formal decisions expected to be announced in due course.
