The Pheu Thai Party says deserting the Move Forward Party in order to form a new coalition with parties in the current administration would be a “last resort”. According to a Thai PBS World report, deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai says such a move is not currently on the cards.
“For the time being, we should exhaust all the possibilities to form a coalition in accordance with the will of the people.”
Phumtham also addressed the question of senators not voting for Pita Limjaroenrat as PM and says they will need to provide a good reason for rejecting the Move Forward leader. All coalition parties are backing Pita to be Thailand’s next leader, but he also needs the votes of senators appointed by the outgoing administration.
Many of the more hardline senators have stated they will not vote for Pita as they believe the Move Forward Party plans to amend Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, which prohibits criticism of the monarchy.
Asked about the possibility of Pheu Thai abandoning Move Forward and entering into a coalition with the current administration, Phumtham says this would be a very difficult step to take.
“That would be a very difficult thing to do. It would be the last resort.”
The Pheu Thai Party has the second largest number of House seats after Move Forward and rumours are circulating that the party has agreed a “secret deal” with some members of the current administration.
However, Phumtham says the 7 parties in coalition with Move Forward are committed to forming a new government that reflects the will of the people.
“We have the obligation to honour the will of the people expressed through the ballot box.”
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
