PM Vote To Take Place Next Friday If Constitutional Court Meeting Is Not Postponed

House Speaker Wan Mohamad Noor Matha said that the next round of the PM vote could be held on August 4, the day after the Constitutional Court is expected to consider a petition on Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat's re-nomination, and a few days before the August 10 date mentioned by a Pheu Thai Party (PTP) official yesterday.

• Parliament may debate the MFP's proposal to amend the constitution and strip the Senate off its power to participate in the PM vote on the same day, but possibly after the actual PM vote. The legislation is expected to be voted down by the Senators.
• There has been plenty of coverage today of alleged secret talks between Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the MFP's predecessor party, and Thaksin Shinawatra, who remains an influential figure in Pheu Thai.
• Khaosod reports that the two may have reached a deal, whereby the MFP would support Pheu Thai PM candidate in the next round of voting and then move to the opposition, abandoning efforts to amend the lese-majeste law.
• Press reports have intimated that Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnivirakul accompanied Thanathorn at the meeting with Thaksin, fuelling speculation that the party could enter the coalition.