Thailand’s Move Forward Party made a significant announcement on Thursday, unveiling a coalition of eight parties aimed at forming a government. Emerging as the largest party in the lower house of parliament following the general election, the Move Forward Party took the lead in forming this alliance, which includes the Pheu Thai Party, the second-largest party in the lower house, along with several smaller opposition parties.
During a press conference, Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat revealed that the coalition, projected to hold 313 out of 500 seats in the House of Representatives, the lower house of parliament, has agreed to support him as the next prime minister. The coalition is currently working on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that encompasses the common goals and agenda shared by all participating parties.
However, despite the coalition’s sizable seat count, Pita’s bid for prime ministerial candidacy falls short of the required majority. As per the 2017 constitution, a prime ministerial candidate must secure at least 376 votes in a joint sitting of the bicameral parliament, consisting of the 500-seat House of Representatives and the 250-seat Senate.
Some concerns have been raised by senators regarding the Move Forward Party’s agenda, particularly its proposed amendments to the country’s Lese Majeste law. This law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code, imposes imprisonment of 3 to 15 years on those who defame, insult, or threaten the King, Queen, Heir-apparent, or Regent. The Move Forward Party made amending this law one of its key electoral promises.
The Bhumjaithai Party, which secured the third-highest number of seats in the election, declared on Thursday that it will not support any prime ministerial candidate or political party seeking to revoke or amend the Lese Majeste law.
A prime ministerial vote is scheduled to take place during a joint session of parliament once the Election Commission (EC) announces the official election results, which is expected within 60 days after the poll. The future political landscape of Thailand hangs in the balance as these developments unfold.