Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, along with representatives from seven other parties, announced this morning that they are forming a coalition government.
At a press conference at the Okura Prestige Hotel today, Pita said his Move Forward party would be co-signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pheu Thai, Prachachart, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Pen Tham, Palang Sangkom Mai and Pheu Thai Ruam political parties to secure a democratic coalition government.
“We, from all parties, would like to thank every vote given by the people,” Pita said. “It is a voice of hope and voice for change. The new government will serve with integrity and be the government of all Thai people.”
With this agreement, the coalition would secure a total of 313 MP seats with each member voting in favor of Pita becoming Thailand’s next prime minister.
The signing will commence on Monday, with details aiming to address political, economic, and social crises to be unveiled on that day. All parties will also establish a committee to facilitate the transition of power and ensure readiness for governance as they take over from the previous administration.
It remains to be seen what proposals will be agreed upon between the eight parties in the coalition, particularly the controversial 112 lese majeste law, which Pita said each party has different opinions and stances on. The Move Forward party has been vocal about amending the law, something other political parties have avoided addressing.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle facing the coalition is winning over the 250 senators, who have all been appointed by the military regime and play a crucial role in deciding the prime minister, but Pita projected confidence on that front. Many of the senators, around 180, remain undecided or have indicated they would not be voting for Pita as Prime Minister.
When asked about the contingency plan if the formation of the government and the vote for the Prime Minister in the Parliament does not succeed, Pita mentioned that both working committees have planned and prepared scenarios to reduce the risks of uncertainty in government formation and are not worried about those possibilities for now.
As for obtaining the additional votes needed to reach the 376 required to form a government and elect a prime minister, Pita indicated it is not a major concern at the moment. However, he noted that negotiations to achieve a balanced figure that can form a government without risks and ensure stability are still ongoing.
Pita stated that, under his leadership, he would prioritize the people’s agenda and party policies focused on the economy, land distribution, and drought issues that involve 7-8 ministries.
Chonlanan Srikaew, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, mentioned that PPheu Thai has 141 votes and confirmed their support for Pita as the 30th Prime Minister. He said he is confident that they will have the 376 seats in the Parliament needed to elect the Prime Minister and form a cabinet.
Since Monday’s shock landslide win for Move Forward, Pita Limjaroenrat has struck a confident tone regarding his ability to form a ruling coalition and vowed to move forward with their plans to reform Thailand – including the monarchy.
It remains to be seen if the entire upper house of 250 senators appointed will agree to allow them to take over. Wresting power from the military will require 376 votes in total.
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