Coalition Talks Continue, Stumbling Blocks Emerging

Negotiations continue to form the next Thai government following elections on May 14. Move Forward’s deputy leader Sirikanya said that the party has the support of 19 senators for its PM candidate Pita. The proposed coalition currently has 312 seats in the House of Reps (down from 313) and so it will need the votes of 64 senators. Pita has set aside the party’s proposed changes to the monarchy insult law in order to gain support. Sirikanya is confident that the party can form a government in around 2 weeks.

• There is currently a disagreement between Move Forward, the election winner, and Pheu Thai, who came a close second, over which party should take the role of House Speaker. Move Forward needs to hold this position to be able to push its agenda. Its secretary-general Piyabutr said that it is a job that the party “can’t afford to lose”. Pheu Thai believes it has more experienced candidates.
• A former list-MP candidate for the military-aligned PPRP has requested that the Election Commission investigate the 8 parties who signed a memorandum of understanding on their aim to form a coalition government on Monday, according to the Bangkok Post. He believes that they could be breaking the law, as they may be seen to be influenced by an outsider. He believes the agreement could be against Move Forward’s own party regulations.
• Caretaker PM Prayut has assured Thais that there will be a smooth transition to the new government. According to the Bangkok Post he said that he “respects the democratic process”.