Security tightened at Pheu Thai Party HQ today as the Party prepares to hold a meeting with its MPs regarding the formation of their new coalition government.
A two-layer steel barricade, 16 high-definition CCTV cameras, and security forces of up to 20 personnel were seen at the front of the OAI Building in Bangkok’s New Phetchaburi Road.
The meeting will discuss the party’s leadership, followed by a meeting between Pheu Thai MPs. The main agenda is to provide an opportunity for members to discuss the formation of the government with other political parties in the previous coalition government.
The increase in security comes in the wake of Pheu Thai’s announcement yesterday that it had formed a coalition with Bhumjaithai Party led by former deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul.
Anutin said his party agreed to join on the condition that it would exclude the Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in May’s elections, and the new coalition would not seek to reform the lese majeste law.
Many did not take the announcement well yesterday, and according to reports, Anutin and Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew could not leave the building until late in the evening after protesters blocked the exit.
The coalition currently holds 212 MPs with Pheu Thai choosing business tycoon Srettha Thavisin as their Prime Ministerial candidate. Other coalition members have not been revealed, but a coalition is expected to be announced in the next two days.
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