Pheu Thai May Lead Government If Pita Fails PM Vote Again

The second vote to decide on a new Prime Minister is to be held on Wednesday. The leaders of the 8 coalition members will meet today ahead of internal meetings tomorrow. The nominee from May’s election winning party Move Forward Pita is to be renominated even though he didn’t gain enough support in the first vote due to his opposition to the lese majeste law. The Bangkok Post has said that if he fails again, then Pheu Thai, the second-largest party, may be allowed to put forward its candidate.

• A Nida poll shows that 43% of voters want Move Forward’s Pita to keep standing for PM until he’s voted in. 38.6% believe that Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn followed by Srettha on 35% would have the best chance of gaining enough support if Pita doesn’t.
• Pita said on Friday that he will allow Pheu Thai to lead the government if he doesn’t gain enough support. He was 52 votes short in the first attempt. Pheu Thai has said that it will put forward a candidate if the other 7 coalition parties agree. Move Forward has said it remains committed to changing the lese majeste laws as it was an election promise.
• The Thai Chamber of Commerce has publicly supported Pheu Thai to lead the new government, according to the Bangkok Post, as it believes they are best placed to drive an economic recovery. It believes the party has the relevant experience and policies.