Pheu Thai Deputy Leader Says PM Vote Could Be Held Week After Constitutional Court Ruling

Pheu Thai Party (PTP) deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai expressed confidence that the party will manage to install its candidate Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister, adding that the vote may take place one week after the Constitutional Court issues its ruling on Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat's re-nomination on August 16.

• Phumtham refused to unveil the composition of a new PTP-led coalition after the party cancelled a press briefing on the matter. However, he insisted that the PTP has enough support from other parties to form a majority bloc in the House of Representatives, which would allow it to pass legislation.
• Note that tomorrow parliament is due to debate a constitutional amendment tabled by the MFP, which would remove the Senate's role in electing Prime Minister. There have been calls for postponing the debate until after the PM vote, while the amendment itself is expected to fail.
• In another (albeit minor) setback for the MFP, one of its lawmakers resigned after admitting that he had served a prison sentence 24 years ago, which prevents him from holding public office. According to Thai Enquirer, the Election Commission (EC) may announce the date for the by-election by the end of this week.