PM Vote Could Be Postponed If Gov't Formation Seems Unlikely Tomorrow

Pheu Thai Party (PTP) leader Chonlanan Srikaew said that the eight-party pro-democracy coalition will meet tomorrow at 2pm and the PTP will report on its talks with external parties, after its representatives were dispatched to explore the potential for securing their support for a Pheu Thai PM candidate over the weekend. Pheu Thai is also holding talks with some junta-appointed senators to see if some of them could back their candidate.

• Chonlanan reiterated his party's opposition to the prospect of leaving Thailand without a government for 10 months, i.e. until the Senate's term expires. He said that two months without a functional government is already too much.
• The National Assembly is due to hold the second round of PM vote on Thursday, July 27. However, Chonlanan suggested that the vote could be postponed by a week if the odds of a conclusive vote are assessed to be low by tomorrow.
• Move Forward Party (MFP) Secretary General Chaitawat Tulathon suggested that his party might soften its proposal to amend the lese-majeste law but is waiting for offers from senators. The party will discuss the matter today.
• Several senators declared today that they will not support a Pheu Thai candidate if the MBP remains part of the coalition in a continued attempt to drive a wedge between the two parties.