A meeting between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties, originally scheduled for yesterday, June 28, has been moved to Sunday, July 2. It’s understood the meeting is being called to discuss the House Speaker role, which both parties are vying for.
Deciding who gets this prominent position is a vital step for both parties to form the next government with another 6 coalition partners. The Phuket Express reports that Pukkamon Noonanant, deputy spokesperson for the Move Forward Party, confirmed on Tuesday evening that yesterday’s meeting would be postponed.
According to the report, the meeting was rescheduled as a result of a meeting between members of the Pheu Thai Party on Monday, June 27. The party is insisting it wants the Speaker role, along with 14 Cabinet seats and the Speaker of the House of Representatives position. It’s understood that these requirements have been put forward as conditions for them to remain in the coalition.
Meanwhile, MFP say that as the party that won the most seats in the May 14 general election, the Speaker role should rightfully be theirs. Padipat Suntiphada, a Move Forward MP for Phitsanuloke, has been put forward for the role. However, Pheu Thai have yet to back this.
Sunday’s meeting takes place the day before Parliament meets for the first time since the 8-party coalition was formed. On Monday, July 3, a state ceremony will be held, during which 500 elected MPs will pledge their allegiance to His Majesty the King.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, remains optimistic about nabbing the top job of PM, despite several factions saying they won’t vote for him. Selection of Thailand’s 30th prime minister is expected to take place sometime around July 13.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
