28-8-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s political landscape is set for another shake-up as the Pheu Thai Party has announced its intention to drop the army-backed Palang Pracharat Party from its coalition when forming the next government. This decision marks a significant shift in the delicate balance of power that has characterised Thai politics in recent years.
Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the move, stating unequivocally, “The Palang Pracharat Party will not be involved in the formation of the government.” This development comes in the wake of growing tensions between the two parties, particularly after Palang Pracharat’s leader, General Prawit Wongsuwon, was conspicuously absent from a crucial parliamentary vote to approve the new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The decision to exclude Palang Pracharat, which holds 40 seats in parliament, represents a significant reversal for Pheu Thai. The party had previously surprised many by reneging on its promise not to work with military-backed parties when it allowed Palang Pracharat to join its 11-party coalition in 2023. This alliance was always seen as an uneasy one, given the historical animosity between the two groups.
General Prawit, a former army chief with strong connections to Thailand’s royalist establishment, has had a complex and often antagonistic relationship with the Shinawatra family, the influential force behind Pheu Thai. Prawit had been involved in two coups that overthrew Shinawatra-led governments, making the coalition an unlikely pairing from the outset.
Despite the loss of Palang Pracharat’s seats, Mr Sorawong remains confident about the coalition’s strength. He projects that Pheu Thai’s alliance will still command more than 300 of the 500 parliamentary seats. To offset the loss, Pheu Thai plans to bring in a splinter faction from Palang Pracharat and form a new alliance with the Democrat Party, which holds 25 seats.
This political manoeuvring comes at a crucial time for Thailand. Earlier this month, 38-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of influential political figure Thaksin Shinawatra, won a parliamentary vote to become Thailand’s youngest premier. Her ascension to power followed the court-ordered dismissal of her ally, Srettha Thavisin, as prime minister.
As the third Shinawatra to lead Thailand, Paetongtarn is now in the process of forming her cabinet and is expected to present her government’s policies by mid-September. The exclusion of Palang Pracharat from the coalition is likely to have a significant impact on the composition and direction of her government.
The move has not been well-received by Palang Pracharat. Party spokesperson Piya Tavichai expressed surprise at the decision, stating that Pheu Thai had not officially notified them. Piya defended his party’s support for Paetongtarn, noting that “All Palang Pracharat Party lawmakers, except our leader who was caught up elsewhere, all voted for the prime minister.” He accused Pheu Thai of breaking their agreement and lacking “manners” in their approach to the situation.
