20-8-2023 (BANGKOK) The political landscape in Bangkok is buzzing with anticipation as the Pheu Thai Party prepares to unveil the final roster of its new coalition government, a move expected to solidify its grip on power. According to an inside source, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is confirmed to be among the parties joining hands with Pheu Thai.
The highly anticipated announcement is scheduled to take place during a press briefing, where it is likely that representatives from all participating parties will be present.
Amidst the mounting speculation, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Prasert Chantararuangthong has clarified that while no specific date has been etched in stone for the final discussions on the distribution of cabinet portfolios, these talks will conclude no later than Monday.
Mr. Prasert has outlined the arrangement for the cabinet positions within the coalition. He states that each coalition member will be entitled to one cabinet seat for every nine Members of Parliament in their possession. Remarkably, negotiations with all potential coalition partners have proceeded smoothly, dispelling concerns about the stability of the multi-party coalition.
Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai, has moved to quash media speculations regarding the forthcoming lineup. He asserts that these details remain unconfirmed, rendering the reports premature at this juncture.
In regard to the PPRP’s involvement, Mr. Phumtham remained tight-lipped about whether Pheu Thai extended a formal invitation to the party to join their coalition. The PPRP had previously expressed its willingness to support Pheu Thai without attaching any conditions, emphasizing the urgency of forming a new coalition government and securing the vote for the next prime minister.
However, when pressed for a definitive answer on the PPRP’s status as a coalition partner, Mr. Pai, a PPRP MP, deferred the decision to Pheu Thai.
In the past week, Pheu Thai engaged in discussions with potential coalition partners, including the PPRP, resulting in significant support. An inside source revealed that Pheu Thai has secured the backing of 314 out of 500 Members of Parliament.
Furthermore, preliminary talks have delved into the allocation of cabinet roles. Pheu Thai is poised to assume pivotal positions in key ministries, including Interior, Transport, Finance, Commerce, Digital Economy and Society, and Public Health.
The spotlight now shifts to the nomination of the prime ministerial candidate, scheduled for Tuesday. Srettha Thavisin remains the favored nominee, with ample backing from Pheu Thai, according to the source. To secure the prime ministerial vote, Mr. Srettha needs a minimum of 375 votes from Members of Parliament and senators.
Nevertheless, his candidacy has not been without controversy, as whistleblower and former parlour tycoon Chuvit Kamolvisit has alleged unethical business dealings. Mr. Srettha has vehemently denied these claims, but lingering doubts among some politicians could potentially impact the prime ministerial vote.
