In a recent course of political events, both the Bhumjaithai Party and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) stated their disinterest in partaking in a coalition government that the Pheu Thai Party aims to form, on the assumption that the Move Forward Party (MFP) remains in the eight-party bloc. This stance was established following the Pheu Thai Party’s endeavors, which observed a second-place victory in the votes, to extend an olive branch to other political outfits to join their coalition to spur the formation of the government post MFP’s unsuccessful bid to get their prime minister candidate elected.
MFP declared its withdrawal on Friday, leaving the leadership to Pheu Thai. The Pheu Thai leader, Cholnan Srikaew, held discussions with representatives from the Bhumjaithai, Chartpattanakla, and United Thai Nation parties at the Pheu Thai headquarters on Saturday. On the condition of MFP’s exclusion from the eight-member coalition, Dr. Cholnan acknowledged the potential blockade it might result in their quest to draw support. That is, unless MFP consents to disengage from the alliance and align with the opposition willingly. He clarified that his statement did not indirectly sabotage MFP by forcing them into becoming an opposition party.
The eight-party alliance has scheduled their impending meeting for Monday, with Pheu Thai now under pressure to expedite negotiations with all potential associates and senators. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, responding to Pheu Thai’s invitation, indicated his reservations concerning MFP were impersonal.
Charnvirakul articulated that alliance with the MFP was unfeasible given their starkly contrasting modus operandi from Bhumjaithai. He asserts that once Pheu Thai navigates around this hurdle, they would be open for collaboration. The party now is endeavoring to secure the support of approximately 300 MPs, exempting MFP MPs, to back Srettha Thavisin, a Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate.
Unconfirmed reports suggest additional affiliations from Bhumjaithai, PPRP, the Chartthaipattana Party, and a sprinkling of small to micro parties. Even though PPRP leader and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon will abstain from any cabinet positions, his party will continue to propel the formation of the new government guided by Pheu Thai, reveal undisclosed sources.
Although this change of sides may ignite protests from MFP supporters, the opposition seems unlikely to yield substantial power. Pheu Thai is slated to emphasize the resurgence of power in caretaker Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s hands if their mission fails.
Narratives close to PPRP corroborated on the discussions with Pheu Thai they’ve undertaken to work in the coalition on the condition that the MFP is no longer in the picture. Further negotiations will discuss the cabinet portfolio to be extended to PPRP in return.
Contrary to Move Forward’s policy to revise Section 112, Suwat Liptapanlop, Chartpattanakla Party advisory chairman, commits to the maintenance of the existing Section 112, stating they’re amenable to joining a Pheu Thai-led government but would refrain if the amendment of Section 112 is still on the table.
United Thai Nation leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, during the final meeting of the day, proclaimed his party’s reluctance to support Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial nominee if Move Forward remains part of the coalition. He affirmed that their reason behind not partnering with MFP was purely based on political dynamics rather than personal vendetta.
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