The Pheu Thai Party has risen to prominence with the prospect of forming a new coalition, following the parliamentary rejection on Wednesday of an effort to renominate Pita Limjaroenrat as a prime ministerial candidate, referencing a parliamentary procedure rule.
A joint sitting of MPs and senators voted predominantly in favour of the application of Regulation No.41, following a lengthy seven-hour debate concerning its imposition on Mr. Pita’s renomination.
This regulation disallows a proposal that has been turned down by the parliament from being put forward again within the same session.
The opposition argued that a previous motion concerning his prime ministerial nomination was already dismissed by the parliament on July 13 when Mr. Pita was unsuccessful in obtaining the required majority vote in the first round.
Considering this, Pheu Thai has risen as a top candidate in establishing a government.
The focus now lies on whether the party will uphold its alliance with the MFP according to the MoU they signed or whether it will look to create an alternate coalition by including parties from outgoing governments and excluding the MFP, as speculated by observers.
The Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, and Chartthaipattana parties, which are part of the outgoing government, stand against the MFP’s proposal to alter Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also referred to as the lese majeste law.
They have categorically stated their refusal to be part of any government that includes the MFP.
Upon the conclusion of the meeting, Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew expressed: “At this moment, Pheu Thai still joins hands with the other coalition allies.”
“Whether the MoU will be revised, I can’t give details yet because the eight coalition allies must discuss the matter first. We will also discuss whether more parties will be brought in.”
Additionally, Dr. Cholnan mentioned that the Speaker of the House, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, has planned the subsequent prime ministerial vote to be held the following Thursday.
On Wednesday, Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul reaffirmed the party’s opposition to any endeavor to modify Section 112.
“If Pheu Thai becomes the leader in forming a government, but the coalition still includes the MFP, which plans to amend Section 112, I won’t join it. I don’t want a minority government either,” stated Mr. Anutin.
Chartthaipattana’s leader, Varawut Silpa-archa, also declared the party’s unwillingness to collaborate with the MFP as long as it continues to push for amendments to Section 112.
When questioned about the possibility of joining a new coalition led by Pheu Thai, Mr. Varawut said it was too early to discuss the issue.
A source within Pheu Thai suggested that the party deserves an opportunity to propose its own PM candidate for the subsequent round of voting after Mr. Pita’s reappointment was dismissed.
The source claimed that Pheu Thai has now amassed sufficient support from Bhumjaithai, PPRP, and Chartthaipattana, with a collective total of 282 MPs to form a solid government.
A significant portion of the 250 senators, known for their close associations with PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon, are also anticipated to support a PM candidate put forward by Pheu Thai, said the source.
“The MFP will not be forced out of a new coalition [led by Pheu Thai], but we will let it think for itself whether it should be part of the coalition as this will only lead to an impasse,” the source expressed.
