In a significant development, the Pheu Thai Party has moved closer to forming a new government as the parliament rejected Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid for a prime ministerial vote. The rejection was based on Regulation No.41, which prohibits the resubmission of a motion that has already been rejected during the same session.
During a lengthy debate, lawmakers argued that Pita’s previous nomination for the position had already been turned down by the parliament on July 13 when he failed to secure the necessary majority vote in the initial round. With this development, the Pheu Thai Party has positioned itself as the front-runner in the race to form a government.
Observers are now closely watching whether Pheu Thai will continue its alliance with the MFP, as outlined in their memorandum of understanding (MoU), or if it will seek to create an alternative coalition by including parties from the outgoing government and excluding the MFP.
However, three parties from the current administration, namely Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, and Chartthaipattana, have expressed their opposition to the MFP’s plan to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law. These parties have made it clear that they will not join any government that includes the MFP.
Following the parliamentary decision, Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew stated that the party is currently maintaining its cooperation with the other coalition allies. He indicated that discussions will take place among the eight coalition allies regarding potential revisions to the MoU and the inclusion of additional parties.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has scheduled the next round of prime ministerial voting on July 27.
