In a surprising turn of events, the Pheu Thai Party, a close-runner up in the existing general election, has drawn curtains to its teamwork with the top-rank holder Move Forward Party. The reason that prompted this unexpected move is the MFP’s stringent stance on altering the lese majeste law. The development was publicly announced on Wednesday afternoon by Pheu Thai’s leader Cholnan Srikaew.
The MFP and Pheu Thai, previously co-conspirators in an alliance of eight parties led by MFP to secure governmental authority, held 151 and 141 seats within the House respectively. Together, the coalition accounted for an overwhelming majority, with 312 out of the total 500 House seats.
However, the MFP’s failure to clinch a majority vote during the joint assembly of the House and Senate post nominating its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, for the prime minister’s role dealt a blow to their ambitions. This hapless outcome nudged the MFP to give Pheu Thai the reins in laying the groundwork for a coalition government.
The snag, however, arose when their insistence on modifying Section 112 of the Criminal Code, otherwise known as the lese majeste law, met with stern opposition from nominated senators and numerous elected MPs. As a result, Dr Cholnan addressed a press meeting on Wednesday afternoon, annunciating that Pheu Thai would sever ties with the MFP, retract from their existing alliance and spearhead its own campaign to foster a broader alliance and government.
The pivotal decision arose from the realization that there is a unanimous noncompliance with any changes to Section 112. Some groups have even proclaimed their reluctance towards aligning with Move Forward, Dr Chenlon penned down. Consequently, Pheu Thai communicated to Move Forward in a meeting held on Wednesday morning about its withdrawal from the alliance, simultaneously nominating its chosen candidate, Srettha Thavisin, to the parliament.
Pheu Thai and the nominated Mr Srettha would leave Section 112 unmodified. Furthermore, the new governing entity would not include the MFP as an ally, as per Dr Cholnan. The conversation held on Wednesday morning with Move Forward was reportedly conducted in mutual understanding and goodwill, he asserted.
His future plans with Pheu Thai include gathering adequate votes within the parliament. Meanwhile, the MFP would be consigned to an opposition status, he speculated. The coalition’s structure is set to be announced on the coming Thursday, he informed.
Amending the constitution would be a top-most task for a Pheu Thai-led government. The party leader believes that the existing constitution presents obstacles to forming a government. Post amendment, it aims to return power to people by arranging fresh general elections.
Dr Cholnan also conveyed his willingness to carry forward beneficial policies of the MFP. He mentioned that a lack of support from the latter party for the newly nominated Mr Srettha, wouldn’t perturb Pheu Thai. “We aim to rescue the nation from the current crisis,” emphasized Dr Cholnan.
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