9-8-2023 (BANGKOK) The political landscape in Thailand is experiencing a significant shift as the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and Chartthaipattana Party hint at their readiness to join a Pheu Thai-led political alliance, should a formal invitation be extended.
Following the recent collaboration between the Bhumjaithai Party and Pheu Thai, which saw the former pledging to align forces, Capt Thamanat Prompow, the secretary-general of PPRP, remarked on Tuesday that no communication had been initiated between Pheu Thai and PPRP since their prior discussions at Pheu Thai’s headquarters on July 23.
“We are yet to receive any contact. The decision to extend an invitation lies with Pheu Thai. We adhere to political etiquette by maintaining silence until invited,” Capt Thamanat stated.
He further added, “I believe Pheu Thai is currently engaging with other parties.”
In response to queries about the Pheu Thai-led coalition’s intention to exclude parties referred to as “uncle” parties and the potential departure of some PPRP MPs to join the coalition, Capt Thamanat emphasized the necessity for party members to abide by the party’s resolutions.
Capt Thamanat underscored that the debate concerning the inclusion of such parties in the new coalition is of secondary importance compared to the primary objective of establishing a new government capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.
The term “uncle” parties denotes those associated with the military leaders of the 2014 coup, specifically Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader of PPRP.
Regarding the hypothetical scenario of Pheu Thai demanding Gen Prawit’s resignation as the party leader in exchange for PPRP’s participation in the alliance, Capt Thamanat firmly reiterated that Gen Prawit retains his leadership role.
Gen Prawit, prior to attending a cabinet meeting, confirmed that there had been no communication from Pheu Thai up to that point. Chartthaipattana leader Varawut Silpa-archa also emphasized that Pheu Thai must approach their party to initiate discussions about joining the coalition.
Highlighting their previous conversations on July 23, Varawut, who serves as the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, emphasized the necessity for renewed discussions before the upcoming prime ministerial vote.
“We are awaiting an invitation from Pheu Thai,” he affirmed.
He reiterated the party’s stipulation that maintaining Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law, intact is a prerequisite for joining a coalition government.
Additionally, Varawut expressed his view that Pheu Thai should take the lead in nominating a prime ministerial candidate who aligns with the coalition’s vision for the forthcoming parliamentary vote.
Originally scheduled for August 4, the prime ministerial vote was postponed to August 16 by the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of parliament’s rejection of the renomination of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister on July 19.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charn-virakul asserted on Tuesday that the Pheu Thai-led alliance has garnered support from over 250 MPs, exceeding half of the total 500 MPs, which is necessary to form a government.
“Rest assured, a minority government is not in the cards,” Anutin assured, highlighting ongoing efforts to garner additional backing from other parties and senators for a prime ministerial candidate endorsed by the coalition.
According to the constitution, a prime ministerial candidate requires the support of at least half of the combined 750 members from both the lower and upper chambers of parliament, totaling 376 votes.
