Former property mogul, Srettha Thavisin, who’s tipped to be Pheu Thai’s sole PM candidate in the approaching re-run, has a task at hand: he must first vow never to modify or eliminate Article 112 of the Penal Code. This was stated by Anutin, the outgoing minister of public health, amidst talks that the next PM vote is tentatively scheduled for the coming Friday.
Anutin further emphasized that Pheu Thai must announce its coalition partners transparently before his party, Bhumjaithai, casts their votes for their PM nominee.
This comes on the heels of Pheu Thai’s earlier announcement that it was forfeiting the initial alliance forged by the Move Forward Party in favor of creating its own coalition, which was contingent on a memorandum of understanding.
This decision was precipitated by several parties from the current coalition government voicing their refusal to partner with or join a Pheu Thai-led coalition, specifically if the Move Forward party persisted in the coalition.
Encouraged by these developments, Pheu Thai took up the mantle to helm the coalition after the Move Forward party failed in its attempt to secure the position of prime minister for its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat.
Limjaroenrat’s bid for the PM post was hampered as a majority of senators suppressed his party’s motions to alter the lese majeste law.
Anutin, affirming that Pheu Thai hasn’t extended an invitation to his party to join the coalition, admitted to a meeting with Pheu Thai’s top brass several weeks prior, during which he clarified Bhumjaithai’s position – they would not support a coalition interested in modifying Article 112, a minority government or a coalition involving Move Forward as a partner.
When questioned about the possible incorporation of Move Forward in the coalition post the appointment of Srettha as prime minister, Anutin made it clear that such an occurrence would be unlikely unless Pheu Thai has previously declared its allies.
To ensure fairplay, Anutin said, the revelation of the coalition partners assumes utmost importance and cannot be dubious. A vote can’t take place without this crucial information, he reiterated, confirming having had a similar discussion with leaders from other outgoing government parties.
Addressing reports of Srettha’s earlier claim during his election campaign that he would amend Article 112, Anutin expressed faith in the PM nominee readying an explanation on the matter when the time comes. He confirmed waiting for Srettha’s clarification on this point following his nomination in the subsequent round of voting for the Prime Minister.
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