The highly-anticipated meeting set for Tuesday at 2:30pm will encompass a variety of topics, one of the most pressing being the selection of the next House of Representatives speaker, as per an informed source. Move Forward, the victor of the May 14 general election, securing a significant 151 of 500 MP seats, has found itself in a dispute with Pheu Thai, the coalition’s secondary partner, regarding the highly coveted House speaker position.
On Friday, Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat encouraged both parties to resolve their differences through negotiation rather than engaging in a public feud. This suggestion was made in response to the disagreement escalating into a fiery social media debate among supporters of both parties. In the election, Pheu Thai managed to win 141 MP seats, based on unofficial results.
Chaithawat, acting as the Move Forward coordinator in the coalition’s endeavor towards forming the next government, stated on Saturday that following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the eight allies last week, focus will now shift to preparing the coalition government and delegating responsibilities among partners. “This is in preparation for the official formation of the new government. Cabinet posts will be discussed later,” he said.
Moreover, Chaithawat disclosed that Move Forward has sought out “outsiders,” or non-MPs, to serve as members of the upcoming Cabinet. However, no detailed discussions have occurred among the coalition partners regarding the candidates for the top positions in their proposed future government.
Some political analysts have voiced concerns regarding potential risks that may hinder the coalition before it forms a government. One such risk is the disagreement between Move Forward and Pheu Thai about the House speaker’s selection. Additionally, Move Forward’s commitment to amending the lese majeste law has become an obstacle for the party in leading the next coalition government, say analysts. Numerous senators refuse to support Pita because of this pledge, considering it a threat to Thai security. The contentious issue was not addressed in the coalition’s MoU, prompting Move Forward to unilaterally push for changes to the lese majeste law through Parliament.
Another possible threat to the Move Forward-led coalition is a complaint filed with the Election Commission against Pita, who is the coalition’s sole candidate for prime minister. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, from the outgoing Palang Pracharath Party, requested the commission investigate Pita’s shareholding in media company iTV, claiming it may breach a constitutional clause that prohibits election candidates from owning or being a shareholder in any newspaper or mass media business.
Finally, analysts warn that high expectations from Move Forward’s most vehement supporters might also prove to be a threat. These supporters are pressuring the party to remain unyielding on its promise to amend Article 112 of the Penal Code, which deems lese majeste a criminal act. Moreover, they are demanding an amnesty law for those facing criminal charges relating to the 2014 military coup.
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