MFP SecGen Says Conflict Over House Speakership Could Be Resolved In Mid-June

Move Forward Party (MFP) Secretary General Chaithawat Tulathon said that the conflict between his party and its potential coalition partner Pheu Thai over the post of House Speaker is expected to be resolved within two weeks. Both parties have refused to publicly name their candidates for House Speaker so far.

• The two best performers in the recent general election have been struggling to strike a deal as Pheu Thai believes that it should get House speakership in exchange for backing MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat's bid to become Prime Minister. The MFP wants to nominate its own candidate for House leader, which would help it push its ambitious legislative agenda.
• The coalition of eight parties led by the MFP will seek to bridge all the gaps and close ranks without delay, as they are trying to convince enough members of the junta-appointed Senate to respect the outcome of the election and back their claim to power. The bloc has adopted a fait accompli strategy, trying to quickly make all the preparations for the transition of power in a bid to pressure the Senators.
• Meanwhile, Pita and his party continue to face the risk of being disqualified from office, with several complaints to the Election Commission under review. Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu reiterated that their disqualification could lead to a fresh general election.