A small group of Move Forward supporters gathered in Phuket yesterday, July 13, after leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure the votes needed to become Thailand’s next PM. A second voting session is scheduled for July 19, with a possible third session on July 20.
The Phuket News reports that around 30 people gathered at the Mingmongkol Statue at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town. The group called for peace and reiterated their support for Pita. In Phuket, all three lower house seats were won by Move Forward candidates.
The MFP leader received 324 votes during yesterday’s session in Parliament, but needed a minimum of 375 to be elected PM.
Dressed in orange shirts, the Move Forward supporters bore placards that slammed the senators who refused to vote for Pita, describing them as “cheats”. There was a police presence monitoring events, according to the Phuket News, but protesters remained peaceful. Similar, bigger rallies were held in Bangkok.
In the May 14 general election, all 3 Phuket constituencies were won by Move Forward MPs. Yesterday, the deputy assistant of one of those MPs, Chalermpong Saengdee, called on protesters to remain peaceful. Nantawat Saeng-ngoen told attendees they must maintain hope for the future.
“Those who haven’t voted yet, if you didn’t vote today, it doesn’t mean you won’t vote for us next time. It depends on how the party understands how to negotiate or talk.”
Nantawat urged Move Forward supporters to remain respectful and refrain from causing trouble.
“Everyone needs to comes together to cheer each other up and not create hate, not cause trouble. Do not insult anyone, respect each other, because everyone came for democracy and we want all the people in the country to be happy. This is our main goal.”
SOURCE: The Phuket News
