Opposition Parties Recommit To Forming New Government

Tuesday’s talks focussed on coalition negotiations and there was a renewed commitment to form a new government. USDTHB is 0.5% lower than Monday’s post-election high. The discussion on which party will take the House Speaker role will be conducted between just Move Forward and Pheu Thai. But there is a growing call amongst coalition parties that it should go to an experienced member and Pheu Thai leader Cholnan’s name is being increasingly mentioned.

• Move Forward’s Pita has said the issue of the speaker won’t stop the “formation of government”, according to the Bangkok Post. Ministry quotas were discussed at yesterday’s meetings and it was generally decided that ministers should be chosen by their experience.
• Also the 8 parties involved in coalition negotiations have formed a committee chaired by Pita to transition to government with the aim of establishing a coordinated policy agenda. However, outgoing PM Prayut warned them to stick to the rules and that they are not yet allowed to speak with government agencies.
• The official election results have been announced by the Election Commission and now the parliamentary members just need to be certified before parliament reopens. It also ruled that Pheu Thai’s election promise to give anyone over 16 THB10k was legal.