The focus now shifts to the Pheu Thai Party as it appears likely to take the lead in forming the next government after the Move Forward party lost its bid to nominate their leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, as prime minister.
Pheu Thai leader, Cholnan Srikaew, reaffirmed the unity of the eight political parties in the coalition pact despite Move Forward’s setback, hinting at his party’s readiness to lead the coalition.
Chaithawat Tulathon, secretary general of Move Forward, acknowledged that Pita’s failure to be nominated as prime minister has opened the way for Pheu Thai to be at the core of the next government.
“We need to talk with Move Forward and the other partners to sound out their views on what steps are to be taken,” Cholnan told Thai PBS when asked about Pheu Thai’s political plan.
Cholnan stated that the formation of the coalition and the nomination of the prime minister should be agreed upon before next Thursday, when the Parliament meets again. However, he did not rule out the possibility of additional political parties being brought into the coalition.
Cholnan also refrained from confirming whether his party will nominate Srettha Thavisin, a well-known real estate tycoon, as prime minister. Srettha is one of Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates, alongside Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin, who earlier this week suggested Srettha’s qualifications for the top position.
The party has not officially decided which of the three candidates will be nominated. Pheu Thai secured the second-largest number of House seats in the May 14th general election and is rumored to have made backroom deals with some political parties in the outgoing coalition government while publicly voicing support for Pita.
