The House of Representatives has scheduled a meeting for Friday to vote on a new prime minister after the court-ordered dismissal of Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha issued a notice to all MPs on Wednesday evening, calling for an assembly at 10am on Friday, as stated by Arpath Sukhanunth, secretary-general of the House.
Wisuth Chainarun, the government chief whip from the Pheu Thai Party, said that representatives from both government and opposition parties, along with the caretaker cabinet, have agreed that a vote on a new prime minister should be held as soon as possible.
To facilitate this, government whips are set to convene on Thursday to deliberate on potential candidates for the prime ministerial position.
“Leaders of coalition parties will have internal discussions on the candidates within their parties,” Mr. Wisuth said.
Only candidates listed by their parties before the May 2023 general elections are eligible. With Mr. Srettha’s departure, the dominant coalition member, Pheu Thai, is left with two alternatives: party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri.
Mr. Chaikasem, aged 75, reportedly has health concerns, while Ms. Paetongtarn, 37, might opt out due to the significant political pressure she could face, a consideration that her family is currently weighing, according to a party insider who preferred to remain anonymous.
A separate informant indicated that Mr. Chaikasem is poised to be nominated after Ms. Paetongtarn declined the opportunity.
According to local media, key government officials decided to endorse Mr. Chaikasem following a meeting with former Prime Minister and Pheu Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra at his residence on Wednesday night.
Sorawong Thienthong, the Pheu Thai Party’s secretary-general, expressed his hope that the party, which holds the majority of seats in the coalition, would successfully nominate one of its own candidates.
“However, whether the Pheu Thai Party will have the prime ministerial slot will depend on discussions with coalition parties,” he noted.
“If other coalition parties propose candidates to be the next prime minister, we will be pleased,” he added.
Mr. Sorawong also confirmed that the digital wallet handout program would continue once the political situation stabilizes, emphasizing it as a key Pheu Thai initiative.
Caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is set to lead a meeting of the caretaker cabinet at 2 p.m. on Thursday to discuss immediate plans.
Following a verdict by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday, Mr. Phumtham cut short an official trip to Kazakhstan and returned to Bangkok. The court found Mr. Srettha guilty of an ethical violation for appointing a minister with a criminal past.
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, often seen as a likely candidate for prime minister, stated on Wednesday that the coalition remains strong.
He mentioned to the press that he wasn’t considering himself for the role and that Pheu Thai, being the largest party in the coalition, should spearhead the government formation.
To be appointed as prime minister, a candidate must secure the support of over half of the 493 current lawmakers, which amounts to at least 247 votes.
Should they fail to achieve this, the House will reconvene later to hold another vote, allowing for the nomination of other candidates.
The coalition government presently holds 314 seats in the House.
Other notable candidates for the prime ministership include Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the Thai Raksa Chart party, and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the military-aligned Palang Pracharath Party.
