The House of Representatives will be convening this Friday to cast their votes for a new prime minister, following the court-ordered dismissal of Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday. In a prompt move, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha sent an urgent notice to all MPs on Wednesday evening. The message directed them to assemble at 10 am on Friday, according to the House’s secretary-general, Arpath Sukhanunth.
Wisuth Chainarun, the government chief whip from the Pheu Thai Party, mentioned that both government and opposition party representatives, along with the caretaker cabinet, concurred on the necessity of holding the vote promptly.
Government whips are scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss potential prime ministerial candidates. “Leaders of coalition parties will have internal discussions on the candidates within their parties,” said Mr. Wisuth.
Only those candidates who were listed before the May 2023 general election are eligible. With Mr. Srettha no longer in the running, Pheu Thai’s options narrow down to party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri. However, Mr. Chaikasem, aged 75, is reportedly in poor health. As for Ms. Paetongtarn, 37, her political future hinges on her family’s decision, given the intense political pressure she might face, according to an unnamed party source.
Another insider revealed that Mr. Chaikasem, a former justice minister and attorney-general, would likely be nominated since Ms. Paetongtarn had declined the possibility of assuming the role of prime minister.
Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong expressed hopes for a Pheu Thai candidate to be nominated due to the party’s significant representation within the coalition. “However, whether the Pheu Thai Party will secure the prime ministerial position will depend on discussions with coalition parties,” he added. “If other coalition parties propose candidates for the next prime minister, we will be pleased.”
Mr. Sorawong also emphasized that the digital wallet handout scheme would proceed once the political landscape stabilizes, highlighting it as a flagship policy of Pheu Thai.
In the meantime, caretaker prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai is poised to chair a meeting of the caretaker cabinet at 2 pm on Thursday to deliberate on short-term action plans. Mr. Phumtham cut short his official trip to Kazakhstan and hastily returned to Bangkok on Wednesday evening following the Constitutional Court’s ruling. The judges declared Mr. Srettha guilty of an ethical breach for appointing a minister with a criminal record.
Amidst all these political maneuvers, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, widely regarded as a formidable contender for the premiership, reassured that the coalition remained strong. He told reporters that he was not considering himself for the candidacy and expressed that Pheu Thai, as the largest party in the coalition, should spearhead the formation of the government.
To secure the position of prime minister, a candidate must garner the support of more than half of the current 493 lawmakers, equating to at least 247 votes. Should this threshold not be met, the House will reconvene later to repeat the voting process, allowing for other candidate nominations.
The 11-party coalition government currently holds 314 seats in the House. Other potential contenders for the premiership include Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the Thai Raksa Chart Party, and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, head of the military-aligned Palang Pracharath Party. As the political drama unfolds, the nation eagerly anticipates who will emerge as the new leader to guide Thailand into its next chapter.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra seems like the obvious choice for Pheu Thai. She’s young, has political pedigree, and would bring fresh energy. However, I wonder if she truly wants to deal with the political mess?
I agree, Alice. But don’t forget her father Thaksin; his influence might make it harder for her. The opposition will use that against her massively.
That’s true, but the name Shinawatra also brings a lot of staunch support. Sometimes being a legacy isn’t all bad.
You both make good points. I just hope whoever takes the position can manage the current chaos effectively.
Anutin Charnvirakul backing off is strategic. He’d rather play kingmaker than be king himself. Smart move if you ask me.
Strategic indeed. This way, he can maintain power behind the scenes without the scrutiny a PM would face.
Smart or cowardly? Leadership means stepping up, not hiding in the shadows.
Chaikasem Nitisiri is too old and in poor health to be PM. Thailand needs younger leadership to move forward.
I don’t understand why people always focus on age. Experience matters too. I’d prefer someone wise with experience than a newbie with fresh ideas but no clue.
Experience is important, sure. But if they’re too old to handle the stress, what’s the point?
Pheu Thai’s digital wallet handout is just populism. It’s not a sustainable policy.
Populism or not, people need immediate relief. Sometimes these policies can bridge the gap for economic stability.
Sandy, temporary fixes can’t substitute for long-term economic strategies.
So many potential candidates, but will any of them actually bring positive change? Thailand’s recent political history makes me skeptical.
That’s a fair point, Lauri. Every time a new leader steps in, hopes are high but the results often disappoint.
The court’s decision to dismiss Srettha Thavisin was politically motivated. Can’t trust the judicial system here at all.
Erica, you might be right, but he did appoint a minister with a criminal record. The dismissal seems justified.
True, Harry, but it feels like they were waiting for any excuse to get rid of him.
The coalition needs 247 votes. I wonder if they will stick together or if we’ll see some backstabbing.
Anutin is playing the long game. He’s aiming for stability, not just headlines.
Picking a prime minister has become a circus. When will Thailand have a stable government?
Unfortunately, stability is a distant dream if coalition parties keep shifting their loyalty.
I think the military’s influence is still too strong. They’re always the ones pulling the strings.
Absolutely! Democracy is a facade. The real power lies with the generals.
Right? Every decision seems prearranged by them.
No matter who becomes PM, they will have a tough time addressing Thailand’s economic woes. It’s a complex mess.
Always drama in Thai politics! When will they focus on actual governance instead of these power plays?
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon shouldn’t be considered. Having a military-affiliated PM again would be a step backward.
Agreed, Oliver. Military rule only results in more repression and less freedom.
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is the dark horse here. He might surprise everyone!
Pirapan certainly has the credentials, but does he have the support?
Support can be garnered if he plays his cards right. Politics is always about negotiation.
Interesting to see Pheu Thai struggling despite having the most significant representation. Internal conflicts are always destructive.