Amid the political chaos in Thailand, the doubt hangs heavy among Senators regarding whether they should stand united behind Srettha Thavisin, a prime ministerial nominee from the Pheu Thai Party, when the time arrives for the upcoming parliamentary vote for Prime Minister. Senator Seree Suwanpanont shared the concerns that before making a decision, it’s imperative for the 250 Senators to thoroughly scrutinize the candidate’s qualifications along with understanding how the election promises, like the proposed “digital money” distribution of 10,000 baht, would be administrated.
“The Senators wish for Thavisin to defend his stance and strategies in the parliament prior to the vote,” said Senator Seree. In response to Senator Wanchai Sornsiri’s statement, who suggested that more than 90% of senators are in favor of Thavisin, Senator Seree voiced that the reality might be different and such majority support remains uncertain. “Circumstances may take a turn before the actual vote,” Seree added.
He insisted that, “If a nominee for the prime minister does not fulfill the constitutional prerequisites, they could potentially face nomination withdrawal. However, these comments are general and not targeted at Mr. Thavisin specifically.” The senator also shared that the scheduling of the next vote for Prime Minister on August 22 is in the hands of Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
The matter of an alleged claim by Senator Wanchai that 90% of senators will support Thavisin was also addressed by Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha. He expressed, “Several days are yet to pass before the vote and the circumstances can change drastically”. The senator commented that the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) – a group of 40 MPs had voiced their intention to vote for the Pheu Thai’s candidate, but no formal agreement has been announced by the parties.
Senator Kittisak added, “This could be interpreted as a negotiation to harness their demands. Pheu Thai might face a deficiency in support if their demands are not met.” The Senator feels strongly that Pheu Thai is pressurized into high dependency on Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the PPRP leader, as the Move Forward Party is no longer an option. According to Senator Kittisak, Gen Prawit and Anutin Charnvirakul – the Bhumjaithai party leader, at present yield significant influence. “Pheu Thai’s coalition would implode if Gen Prawit or both of them decided to opt-out. The senators close to Gen Prawit may decide against voting for Thavisin if Gen Prawit is not a part of the government,” said Kittisak.
Recent inside news points at Pheu Thai striking a pact with the PPRP where the PPRP has consented to cast their vote for Thavisin in exchange for a slice of the cabinet quota. Though the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) has not confirmed if they will be a part of the Pheu Thai coalition, however, if UTN opts to join, Pheu Thai-led coalition will boast a strength of 315 MPs.
Sunday saw Senator Wanchai post on his Facebook quoting “A whopping 90% of Senators will wholeheartedly back Thavisin in the forthcoming vote for Prime Minister,” as Pheu Thai is capable of garnishing enough backup from other parties to secure a House majority. This endorsement of Pheu Thai and its PM candidate by Senators is a result of Pheu Thai drifting away from the MFP, who purposed to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code or the lese majeste law, a move distasteful to many Senators.
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