Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, revealed on Monday the plan to create a coalition government consisting of five former opposition parties and a new party, bringing their total number of MPs to 309, with Pita himself as the prime minister. The announcement followed the Election Commission’s declaration of the Move Forward Party as the winner in Sunday’s general election with a total of 151 MPs – 112 representing constituencies and 39 from the party list.
Pita regarded the victory as a public mandate for his party to act as the central force in the formation of the upcoming government. He mentioned speaking with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the leader of the Pheu Thai Family, to congratulate her on her persistence throughout the campaign and invite her party to join the coalition. In return, Paetongtarn expressed her congratulations to Move Forward and emphasized the importance of transparency in their discussions.
The other former opposition parties contacted by Pita included Thai Sang Thai, Prachachart, and Seri Ruam Thai, collectively amounting to 308 MPs. Pita also reached out to Pen Tham, the Fair Party with one MP in their party list, to join the coalition as well. Pita described the Fair Party as a party that had been working tirelessly towards peace in the three southernmost border provinces.
With the six parties, they would have a total of 309 MPs, enough to form a majority government. The five former opposition parties would collaborate on policy and work plans, and they would also need to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to demonstrate to the public their plans for Thailand in the next 100 days and the following year.
A team of negotiators would be assembled for the formation of the government, and promises made during the campaign would be reviewed for further implementation. A public referendum would also be conducted for constitutional amendments.
Move Forward plans to engage with individuals in the government and business sectors, as well as promote understanding with those holding opposing opinions. Pita assured the public of the swift and meticulous formation of the government to prevent a political and economic vacuum.
When asked about potential concerns surrounding senators not supporting the coalition with the necessary 376 votes for prime minister endorsement, Pita expressed his lack of worry, noting that the party had the people’s mandate. He didn’t see any reason for senators to oppose the public’s decision, which should be accepted by all parties.
In addressing whether Move Forward or Pheu Thai would take the defense portfolio, Pita stated his willingness to act as the prime minister while also holding another cabinet position or allowing a suitable candidate to assume the role.
Regarding Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law, Pita remarked that it hadn’t been discussed with other parties yet. However, Section 112 could be amended in parliament, with Move Forward’s 151 MPs being more than enough to propose such an amendment. Pita acknowledged that more urgent than amending the law was addressing the situation of individuals indicted in political cases and the possibility of their pardon.
As for concerns about a petition filed against Pita with the Election Commission over shares in a defunct media company, Pita demonstrated his preparedness to resolve the issue with the Election Commission, urging the public not to worry about it.
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