A Move Forward MP has urged Pheu Thai to backtrack on a decision to abandon plans to form a government with MFP. Posting on Facebook, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn says the Pheu Thai Party “is being conned by conservatives”.
“Don’t they ever wonder whether the mountaintop which they are being taken to is actually an execution ground?”
The Bangkok Post reports that Wiroj addressed the party as if advising a friend, telling Pheu Thai it was a mistake to believe anything conservative politicians say.
“Mate, don’t ever get in a car with them. They will trick you into travelling to the mountain top where you will eventually be gunned down. Run away and return to the ship, real quick. We’re waiting for you here.”
The Move Forward party feel they’ve had their hand forced to go it alone and form their own coalition after opposition MPs and most of the Senate have shown a reluctance to vote for Pita or the Move Forward Party following their resistance to dropping their plans to amend Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code – the Lese Majeste laws.
Wiroj points out that prior to its dissolution, the Move Forward-led coalition had 312 MP seats, while conservative parties only have 188. Even only factoring in MFP and Pheu Thai MPs, the number is still 292. He says by remaining united, both parties have a much better chance of beating the conservative side in parliament.
By separating from MFP, Wiroj points out that Pheu Thai only have 141 MPs against the conservatives’ 188.
“This will substantially weaken the party’s negotiating power as it attempts to form a government.”
That weakness could see both the Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation parties joining the coalition – both former political foes of Pheu Thai.
Furthermore, Pheu Thai is losing the support of the Red Shirt movement and the United Front for Democracy, with members unhappy at the party’s decision to abandon the Move Forward-led coalition.
However, Pheu Thai MP Anusorn Iamsa-ard insists the party is still in a good position and won’t bow to pressure from conservatives.
“Pheu Thai remains firm in its stance that Prayut (Chan-o-cha) and Prawit (Wongsuwon) must not be a part of the new coalition the party is forming.”
At this time, the only probable solutions are for a Pheu Thai-led coalition, excluding Move Forward, or a minority conservative government that will fall short of majority in the Lower House, leading to a vote of no confidence and an early election.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
