The Pheu Thai Party has incorporated an additional six political parties into its coalition, increasing the total number of House seats to 228.
Prominent members from Pheu Thai alongside the six new entrants declared their coalition at the legislative assembly on Wednesday.
The affiliated parties include – Prachachart (9 House positions), Pheu Thai Ruam Palang (2), Charthaipattanakla (2), Seri Ruam Thai (1), Palang Sangkhom Mai (1), and The Thongtee Thai Party (The Party of Thai Counties), which boasts a single MP.
The Thongtee Thai Party was founded by past village leaders, health advocates, and different public officers.
Pheu Thai’s head, Cholnan Srikaew, conveyed that they have now accumulated 228 House positions, aspiring to initiate a Pheu Thai-dominated coalition regime.
However, they remain 23 positions away from the 251 required for a straightforward majority in the 500-position House.
Both Pheu Thai and its affiliated members were optimistic about diminishing political tensions and aspired to garner endorsement from everyone, both elected representatives and nominated senators, for its prime minister nominee, as shared by Dr. Cholnan.
In attendance during the announcement were Pheu Thai’s vice-leader Phumtham Wechayachai, Pheu Thai chief secretary Prasert Chantararuangthong, and Seri Ram Thai chief Sereepisuth Temeeyaves,
Charthaipattanakla’s head Suwat Limtapanlop, Prachachart’s chief secretary Tawee Sodsong, and delegates from the other parties were also in present.
An inside source from the party hinted that Pheu Thai is set to declare on Thursday about integrating the Chartthaipattana Party, possessing 10 MPs, into their alliance.
Such a move would raise the party count to nine, summing up to 238 positions within the House.
On Monday, the chiefs of Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties announced their intention to be the foundation of a proposal to establish a new coalition government.
Combined, the two parties have 212 positions in the House of Representatives. The freshly inducted six parties contribute an additional 16.
In the general election held on May 14, Pheu Thai secured the second spot with 141 House positions, while Bhumjaithai followed with 71.
On August 2, Pheu Thai distanced itself from the election victor, Move Forward Party (MFP), and retreated from the pact signed with the initial seven partners aiming to constitute a coalition government.
The party decided on forming its own coalition since the MFP was persistent on altering Section 112 of the Criminal code, recognized as the “lese majeste law,” which faces opposition from numerous other representatives and the military-nominated senators.
Pheu Thai expressed intentions to propose their candidate for the position of prime minister, naming Srettha Thavisin.
MFP’s leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was unsuccessful in securing the legislative assembly’s support during his prime minister nomination on July 13.
