It’s final: Pheu Thai announced at a press conference this afternoon that it would ally with 13 other political parties joining its coalition, including pro-regime parties Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation (aka Ruam Thai Saeng Chart) parties.
Weeks after Pheu Thai broke off its coalition with the election-winning and progressive Move Forward Party, the party caused much consternation in early August when it teamed with the Bhumjaithai Party, led by public health minister and pro-weed lawmaker Anutin Charnvirakul.
Now, the alliance has been joined by several conservative and military-backed parties including Palang Pracharath, led by first deputy prime minister General Pravit Wongsuwan, and United Thai Nation Party, which was founded by former PM Prayut Chan-ocha who retired from politics in July.
Pheu Thai reiterated that the Move Forward Party, whose leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure enough votes to become the next prime minister last month, would not be part of this new coalition.
Collectively, the coalition has 317 seats in the 500-seat House of Representatives. They include Pheu Thai (141), Bhumjaithai (71), Palang Pracharath (40), United Thai Nation (36), Chartthaipattana (10), Prachachat (9), Pheu Thai Ruam Palang (2), Chartpattanakla (2), Seri Ruam Thai (1), Palang Sangkhom Mai (1), Thongthee Thai, (1), New Democracy (1), Mai (1), and Kru Thai Pheu Prachachon (1).
Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew said the coalition parties agreed to treat Pheu Thai’s policies as important policies for the new government. They include the digital wallet policy, 600-baht minimum daily wage and higher farm prices. Unsurprisingly, amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, was not mentioned as a priority.
Cholnan acknowledged that the Pheu Thai Party would face criticism for allying with the pro-regime parties but stated that it was necessary and promised that they will “join forces to work efficiently.”
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