The secretary-general of the Move Forward Party has apologised to supporters for being unable to form a government. Chaithawat Tulathon addressed the media after the Pheu Thai Party announced its departure from the 8-party coalition previously led by MFP.
“We apologise to all the parties and supporters that the party could not be successful in forming a government that reflects the aspirations of the people. The Pheu Thai Party, at this moment, has declared its withdrawal from both the MoUs involving all 8 parties.”
Pheu Thai has withdrawn from the MoU related to the formation of an 8-party coalition government and a second MoU in relation to the selection of House Speaker.
Meanwhile, Nation Thailand reports that the Pheu Thai Party did not ask Move Forward to drop its plans to reform Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, aka Section 112 of the Criminal Code. The draconian and controversial law prohibits criticism of the monarchy and critics accuse the outgoing junta of using it as a political tool.
However, Pheu Thai says that even if MFP had changed its stance on amending the law, each of the political parties approached by Pheu Thai as it tried to form a new coalition had made it clear they would not partner with MFP, even if it changed its position on Section 112.
It’s understood Pheu Thai has also not asked MFP to vote for its PM candidate, Srettha Thavisin. Voting is tentatively scheduled to take place tomorrow, August 4. There are reports that Pheu Thai is concerned that were MFP to back Srettha, this would affect senators’ trust in Pheu Thai. Or in other words, “if Move Forward want it, we don’t.”
While addressing the media yesterday, Chaithawat said the current state of affairs demonstrates that ultimately, the power does not lie with the people. He says his party believes there’ s an urgent need for reform of democratic governance, adding that it’s pleased many other parties are in agreement on this.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
