People’s Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut announced on Wednesday morning that his party would support Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the next prime minister.
The move was immediately countered by caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, who submitted a request to dissolve the House of Representatives.
Speaking at parliament, Mr. Natthaphong said the support came with conditions. He explained that PP, with its 143 MPs, would wield significant influence over the new administration.
Although PP won the 2023 general election, it was outmanoeuvred by Pheu Thai and ultimately relegated to leading the opposition.
Mr. Anutin accepted the conditions and signed a written agreement with the People’s Party to formalise the deal. He pledged to form a minority coalition government as quickly as possible.
The signing was held during a press conference at parliament late Wednesday morning after Mr. Anutin’s meeting with MPs from parties seen as possible coalition allies.
Under the agreement, PP demanded that the House be dissolved within four months of the government announcing its policy platform, clearing the way for a fresh general election.
The party also insisted that, if a public referendum is required for a new constitution, it must be held before the election. If not, the cabinet, PP, and Bhumjaithai would quickly push for an amendment creating an elected constitution drafting assembly during the current House’s term.
PP further stipulated that Bhumjaithai must avoid any manoeuvres to secure a House majority. As a result, PP will remain in the opposition, supporting Mr. Anutin as prime minister but refusing cabinet posts.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham’s dissolution request was submitted on Tuesday night, a move that would trigger a snap election.
He argued that dissolution was necessary as a minority government led by Bhumjaithai, with about 130 MPs, would be unstable. He dismissed claims of political opportunism, saying the step was in line with PP’s own call for an early election.
Mr. Sorawong also maintained that a caretaker prime minister has the authority to dissolve the House, a stance disputed by the Council of State, the government’s legal adviser.
At Government House on Wednesday morning, caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham explained his decision, saying the political situation had become confusing. He argued that PP’s strategy of supporting the government while staying in opposition risked worsening economic difficulties.
“So, the power should be returned to people,” Mr. Phumtham said.
The developments came just days after the Constitutional Court removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethics violation after only a year in power.
The ruling paved the way for parliament to elect a new prime minister, with Pheu Thai weakened and scrambling to maintain a slim and fragile coalition majority.
