Prospect Of Pheu Thai-Led Grand Coalition Takes Shape Amid Talks With Conservatives

United Thai Nation (UTN) party deputy leader Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana spoke positively about the prospect of working together with the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) for the benefit of the country and said that they could put their historical differences behind.

• The UTN is one of the major pro-military, royalist parties, which was joined by caretaker Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha earlier this year. Pheu Thai has also reportedly explored the option of cooperating with other pro-establishment parties, such as Bhumjaithai (BJT) or Chart Thai Pattana (CTP).
• The split between election front-runners Move Forward Party (MFP) and the PTP was evident during today's celebration of the King's birthday. A Pheu Thai delegation led by presumptive PM candidate Srettha Thavisin visited the Royal Palace to pay respect to the monarch, while the MFP stayed mum on the celebrations.
• A Pheu Thai source told the Bangkok Post today that political veterans Thaksin Shinavatra and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit brokered a deal which would keep the MFP out of the governing coalition in order to secure support from pro-establishment parties and senators.
• However, there is an understanding that entering a coalition with pro-military parties (especially the pro-coup PPRP/UTN) could alienate many Pheu Thai voters. Local political analyst Ken Mathis Lohatepanont writes that the party may still try to form a governing bloc excluding both the MFP and PPRP/UTN.