Thai pro-democracy party, long suffering persecution, set to hold sway as kingmaker
In a significant turn of events, the People's Party, a progressive political force in Thailand, has emerged as the kingmaker in the country's political landscape. With 143 of its lawmakers supporting Anutin Charnvirakul, the party has secured more than the 247 votes required to clinch the prime minister position.
The People's Party's rise to power poses a fresh test for Thailand's royalist establishment, which has historically been associated with political instability. The country has seen the Constitutional Court dismiss five prime ministers, including one associated with the Shinawatra clan.
In the current political deadlock, the People's Party has taken the position of the kingmaker, holding about a third of the parliamentary seats and thus the decisive vote in forming a new government. The party has set conditions for its backing, including dissolving the lower house within four months to call a snap election and holding a referendum on a new constitution.
Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, is widely considered the frontrunner to become prime minister. However, yielding to the People's Party's conditions could result in the next prime minister heading a minority government that will only be in power for a few months.
The 10-party coalition that supported Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the ousted prime minister, has split up. Thaksin's Pheu Thai party, which only has one possible candidate left after seeing two prime ministers ousted in roughly a year, held talks with the People's Party on Sunday.
The People's Party defends its decision to offer conditional support for either conservative candidate, with the aim of moving the country towards a new election as soon as possible. "The best way out is to hold an election," said People's Party spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu.
The People's Party aims to push for constitutional amendment, regardless of when the election is held. If Anutin wins the support of the People's Party, it would mark another realignment of political forces in Thailand.
However, if the People's Party does not participate in the political process, it could be completely off the board. The party, which won the most seats in the 2023 election but has been in opposition, is being courted by rival political groups to form a government.
Thai stocks have taken a hit this year, with the market down almost 12 percent, making it the worst performer in Asia. The currency, on the other hand, has strengthened more than 5 percent amid US dollar weakness.
As Thailand navigates its political landscape, the People's Party's influence could shape the country's future. The party's leader, Natthaphong, is currently the most preferred candidate for prime minister in recent opinion polls.
Stithorn Thananithichot, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, suggests that the People's Party could emerge stronger after the next election, even if it is shortchanged in a deal with any alliance. The party's commitment to holding a referendum on a new constitution and pushing for constitutional amendment could resonate with the Thai public, potentially leading to a stronger mandate in future elections.
In conclusion, the People's Party's rise to power and its conditions for backing a prime minister candidate have created a new dynamic in Thailand's political landscape. The party's influence could determine the direction of the country's future, with the potential for a new election and constitutional amendment on the horizon.
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