Pita Calls On Lawmakers To Back His PM Bid, Coalition Parties Close Ranks Ahead Of Key Vote

Less than 48 hours until Thursday's vote for the Prime Minister position, Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat released a video clip in which he called on lamakers to respect the people's mandate, support his bid to become the next head of government and ""return normalcy to politics."

• Elsewhere, representatives of the eight parties forming a pro-democracy coalition discussed preparations for the voting day this morning. They reaffirmed their support for Pita, with Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai noting that the coalition "will do our best to help him."
• Phumtham refused to speculate on rumours surrounding the number of Senators approached by the MFP and Pheu Thai. However, recent speculation in local media points to support from no more than 10 upper house members. Senator Wanlop Tanghananurak said as much today, citing his conversations with other lawmakers.
• Some news reports have suggested that most Senators are currently planning to abstain from voting (up to 90%, according to Thai Enquirer), due to the ongoing investigation into Pita's alleged holding of media shares.
• The Election Commission is yet to decide whether to refer Pita's case to the Constitutional Court. The panel holds another meeting on the matter today, and then another one on Thursday.