Pita Claims His Coalition Is "Taking Shape," Bhumjaithai Won't Support Changing Lese Majeste

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat said that his eight-party coalition is "taking shape," but the final composition of the alliance will depend on the work of his negotiating team, which has been tasked with finding "the optimal number that gives (...) stability."

• Pita spoke at a press conference with representatives of seven parties which agreed to collaborate with him, i.e. Pheu Thai, Prachachat, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Palang Sangkom Mai, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang and Pentham. Together with Move Forward they have a combined 313 seats in the House of Representatives.
• Pita said that the coalition will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the joint agenda. The document will be published on May 22 to explain the priorities of the MFP-led bloc.
• Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai Party, which came third in the general election, refused to cooperate with any party seeking to revoke the lese majeste law, which criminalises the insult of monarchy. Changing the law has been a key campaign pledge of the MFP.
• There had been speculation that the MFP could reach out to Bhumjaithai in order to boost its numbers, as it needs support from 376 lawmakers to form government. Alternatively, the MFP may try to persuade some of the military-appointed Senators.