Bangkok, 21 Aug, 2023 (GNP): The Pheu Thai Party, a populist political force in Thailand, has announced its intention to lead the next government with the support of a coalition comprising 14 parties, including two aligned with the military-backed groups.
The announcement comes ahead of a parliamentary vote for the new prime minister and coincides with the imminent return of Pheu Thai’s founder and former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, after 15 years of self-imposed exile.
Pheu Thai, which secured the second position in Thailand’s recent May 14 election, has taken the lead in forming the government after conservative members of the unelected upper house prevented the progressive Move Forward party from securing the top position for its candidate.
The party is expected to nominate real estate magnate Srettha Thavisin, a political newcomer, as the next prime minister of Thailand. Srettha will require the endorsement of 375 legislators, constituting more than half of the combined upper and lower houses of parliament, to form the new government.
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Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai, confirmed that Srettha has garnered support from 14 parties, including the United Thai Nation party associated with outgoing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and the Palang Pracharat party of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. The coalition currently holds 317 votes in the lower house, and Srettha requires the backing of an additional 58 legislators to secure his nomination.
The formal announcement of the coalition is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on Monday afternoon. However, the progressive Move Forward party has expressed its reluctance to back Pheu Thai’s multiparty effort, citing distortion of the election result and a deviation from public sentiments.
Opinion surveys indicate that a majority of Thais are opposed to Pheu Thai’s strategy of forming a coalition government that includes parties backed by the military. A poll conducted by the National Institute for Development Administration revealed that around 64 percent of respondents disagreed with the idea of Pheu Thai aligning with military-affiliated parties.
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Pheu Thai acknowledged its failure to uphold the pledge of not joining military-aligned parties and expressed apologies for disappointing supporters. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, stated that adjustments were necessary to ensure the country’s stability.
Thaksin’s return is seen as a sign of confidence in Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate’s election in a single round. His presence may have an impact on the political dynamics as Thailand moves forward with the formation of its new government.