No Decision Yet If Pita Can Run In 2nd PM Vote, Srettha Touted As Potential Backup Candidate

House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said that no conclusion has been reached over Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat's ability to run for the Prime Minister position again and the issue will be discussed in parliament tomorrow before the second round of the PM vote. The Speaker refused to clarify if the matter will be settled by voting or left to his discretion.

• Wan Noor said that a group of parliamentarians argue that Pita's re-nomination would contravene the rules of procedure, which prohibit a resubmission of a petition that has been already rejected. Another group claims that the PM nomination process is based on the constitution rather than parliamentary regulations.
• Wan Noor also discussed the constitutional amendment tabled by the MFP to cancel the Senate's role in the PM vote. According to Khaosod, he said that the proposal will only be debated after the appointment of the new PM, which supports expectations that the next head of government will be elected using the existing procedure.
• With Pita seen very unlikely to succeed in becoming the next Prime Minister, the pro-democracy coalition needs to come up with alternative options. Election runners-up Pheu Thai said that if they take a lead in government formation, they will nominate Srettha Thavisin as their PM candidate.
• Srettha's election could soothe the nerves of investors due to the pro-business reputation. The real estate tycoon lacks the charisma of some of the other leaders, but his moderate approach could help stabilise Thailand's political situation. However, it remains uncertain if he could get enough support from pro-military lawmakers.