Thaksin-Thanathorn discussions unacknowledged by Phumtham, Phumtham claims ignorance
In the aftermath of the 2023 general election in Thailand, coalition negotiations are underway to form a new government. One of the key players in these negotiations is the Pheu Thai Party, led by de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
On Saturday, Thaksin met with Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the leader of the Move Forward Party. Thanathorn's uncle, Suriya Jungrungruangkit, is one of Thaksin's oldest political allies, and the Move Forward Party is the largest in parliament.
The Pheu Thai Party is actively pursuing negotiations with the People's Party, with both sides courting the largest party in parliament. Informal talks between the Pheu Thai Party and the People's Party have taken place, according to Sorawong Thienthong, the caretaker minister of tourism and sports and secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party.
However, formal discussions with the People's Party will not take place until a prime ministerial candidate is officially nominated in parliament. The People's Party has not entered into any agreements with any groups, but one of their key conditions is that the next government must lay the groundwork to draft a new constitution.
Thaksin asked Thanathorn if the People's Party would vote to support Pheu Thai candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri for prime minister. The Pheu Thai Party's secretary-general stressed that the party would not make empty promises, acknowledging that the proposed four-month timeline for the interim government might be extended to six months through negotiation.
The Pheu Thai Party is open to the three proposals raised by the People's Party, although opinions among Pheu Thai MPs vary. Sorawong did not mention any formal discussions with the People's Party being imminent, stating that the parties are still working things out behind the scenes.
Once everything is finalized, a formal invitation will be extended for discussions with the People's Party, according to Sorawong. Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai parties are also competing to put together a coalition. Sorawong urges observers to consider which parties had previously obstructed such reforms, a veiled reference to Bhumjaithai.
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has been appointed with full authority. As the coalition negotiations continue, all sides are working diligently to form a government that will serve the best interests of the Thai people.
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