The fate of the Move Forward Party is in the hands of Pheu Thai, who meet tomorrow to decide if MFP will remain in the 8-party coalition attempting to form a government.
The meeting comes as Pheu Thai is attempting to secure votes for its own PM candidate from other parties. However, MFP’s refusal to back down on its campaign pledge to reform Thailand’s lèse-majesté law is proving a stumbling block.
Read Phuket-GO’s editorial about a possible two scenarios that may emerge this week.
The law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code, prohibits any criticism of the monarchy. A number of parties vehemently opposed to any reform of the law, have stated that they will not support any coalition in a PM vote that has MFP has a member.
According to a Bangkok Post report, Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew has confirmed that MFP’s stance on the lèse-majesté law is proving to be an obstacle. Pheu Thai intends to hold talks with all parties, with the exception of the Democrat Party, which remains without a leader after Jurin Laksanawisit resigned following the May 14 general election.
Yesterday, Cholnan and other Pheu Thai members held talks with the Palang Pracharath Party, after which PPRP secretary general Santi Promphat confirmed his party’s opposition to any reform of the lèse-majesté law.
“The PPRP has also told Pheu Thai so, and that the MFP’s intention to amend the lèse-majesté law is a key factor which could persuade the PPRP to turn down Pheu Thai’s offer that it join the new coalition.”
Pheu Thai also met with the Chart Thai Pattana Party on Sunday, after which that party’s leader, Varawut Silpa-archa, echoed Santi’s remarks. Varawut says his party will work with Pheu Thai only when any party that intends to reform the lèse-majesté law is excluded from the coalition.
Meanwhile, a small group of protesters gathered outside Pheu Thai’s head office yesterday, while the party was meeting with the PPRP. The protesters accuse Pheu Thai of reneging on the promise made when signing the MoU with its coalition partners. Activists are calling for Cholnan’s resignation, saying his party is now attempting to work with two parties that are the military in disguise.
Protesters threw flour at Cholnan and PPRP MP, Thamanat Prompow, as they exited the meeting, prompting politicians from both parties to flee the building via an exit at the rear of the building.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
