The Move Forward Party (MFP) remained ambiguous on Wednesday about supporting the Pheu Thai Party’s nominee for prime minister in the parliament, said Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party Family.
Pheu Thai, with leaders such as Ms Paetongtarn and influential figures like Cholnan Srikaew, Phumtham Wechayachai, and Prasert Chantararuangthong, engaged in a discussion with MFP this Wednesday.
Members from Pheu Thai journeyed from their building on Phetchaburi Street to the nearby MFP central office. Their conversation lasted approximately an hour and a half.
The MFP team was headed by Pita Limjaroenrat, with vice leaders Sirikanya Tansakul, Pijarn Chaowapatthanawong, and general secretary Thawatchai Tulathon.
This marks the inaugural approach of Pheu Thai towards MFP in seeking assistance in voting for their top candidate, Srettha Thavisin.
Besides Srettha, Pheu Thai has also nominated Ms Paetongtarn and Chaikasem Nitisiri.
They have now surpassed MFP as the leading party pushing to establish a coalition government, especially after Mr Pita’s prime ministerial bid didn’t receive enough Senate support.
Pheu Thai has subsequently annulled the memorandum of understanding (MoU) it had with the MFP and various parties concerning the establishment of the upcoming government.
This decision also allows them to explore other partners since a majority of parties have pledged to avoid any alliance that includes MFP, given MFP’s position on modifying the lese majeste law.
Former coalition members such as Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, United Thai, and the Democrat Party have unanimously opposed changes to Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
Simultaneously, a speculated split had emerged between Pheu Thai and MFP, with suggestions that Pheu Thai might not continue their partnership with MFP.
Yet, by seeking MFP’s support, it is believed that Pheu Thai might be worried about rallying enough Senate votes for Mr Srettha.
Pheu Thai conveyed that if MFP backs Mr Srettha, there won’t be a necessity for the Senate’s support.
To become the prime ministerial nominee, one requires backing from a minimum of 376 MPs and senators.
After their recent meeting, Ms Paetongtarn disclosed that MFP didn’t provide a definitive stance on supporting Pheu Thai’s nominee for prime minister in the chamber.
“I think we might have to wait a bit longer [for the answer],” she commented.
Mr Pita characterized the discussion on Wednesday as inconclusive and maintained that both parties would sustain friendly relations in the parliament.
