Pheu Thai To Hold Talks With Bhumjaithai Tomorrow As PM Election Saga Continues

Prachatai reports that Pheu Thai Party (PTP) is looking to open negotiations with the Bhumjaithai Party (BJP), with party leaders set to hold talks tomorrow at 2pm local time at the BJP''s headquarters. This was reportedly confirmed by Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai, who will participate in the meeting.

• Bhumjaithai is the largest party outside of the pro-democracy coalition, controlling 71 seats in the current House of Representatives. Their support could theoretically allow the coalition to overrule the opposition of junta-appointed senators.
• However, earlier today BJP leader Anutin Charnvirakul ruled out joining any coalition with the Move Forward Party over their push for amending the lese-majeste law. He said that his party's MPs would discuss the common stance next Wednesday.
• All in all, the conservative establishment has aimed at making the MFP a toxic coalition partner, with multiple political leaders making it clear today that they would not cooperate with the election front-runners.
• This puts the MFP in a precarious position, in which they will likely face a growing pressure to ditch their call for amending the lese-majeste law, a key electoral promise. Their future as a potential member of a governing coalition is also highly uncertain.