D-Day approacheth.
A meeting of Pheu Thai MPs and the party’s executive committee takes place today, with the House Speaker position expected to top the agenda. Indeed, it has been the over-arching issue confronting the two leading players in the formation of the new government.
Thai PBS World reports that Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew has insisted that whoever gets the role cannot represent one specific party.
The decision of who is appointed is proving a bone of contention between Pheu Thai and its coalition partner, the Move Forward Party, with both parties insisting the role should be theirs. A number of media reports last week speculated that Pheu Thai had already conceded to MFP on the issue, but it appears the matter has not yet been resolved.
According to Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, MFP has suggested to Pheu Thai that both parties should resolve the matter before the House meets tomorrow to select the Speaker and two deputy speakers. Pita has also called on the media to refrain from raising new issues surrounding the role, saying that doing so only serves to create public confusion.
He goes on to say that the 8-party coalition hoping to form Thailand’s new government came together yesterday to discuss a number of issues. They included energy prices and possible energy price cuts, household debt, teacher debt, student loans, and policing. According to Pita, the role of House Speaker was barely mentioned.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan says there are differing opinions on the speakership, even within his own party. However, he says that when the matter is discussed at today’s meeting, Pheu Thai will aim to agree a solution that is in the best interest of the people and that will help the pro-democracy parties form a government.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
