Senators Under Pressure To Support Move Forward Leader's PM Bid, Gov't Formation Talks Begin

Thai Senators are under pressure from civil society groups to respect the will of the voters and back Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat's bid to become Prime Minister after several members of the military-appointed upper house publicly said that they will not support a government headed by the pro-democracy politician.

• Although opposition parties secured a sweeping victory in a general election held over the weekend, a potential MFP-led coalition commends around 309 seats, falling short of the 376 votes in the joint houses of the National Assembly needed to elect a Prime Minister.
• Influential Senator Wanchai Sornsiri yesterday told Channel 3 that he was "not sure that the number one party will always able to form a government." Kittisak Ratanawaraha and Jadet Insawang refused to support Pita on the grounds that the MFP leader holds anti-monarchist views.
• On the other hand, Senator Saki Pitakkumphon said that he "cannot refuse" the voice of the majority and "using special powers cannot help Thailand out of a conflict," which serves as a reminder that overruling the election result would be an embarrassing move for the military elite.
• Senator Chalermchai Fuengkhon appeared to be showing a way out of the deadlock, noting that "it is impossible for Move Forward to hope for votes from Senators" but "they should invite Bhumjaithai Party to join." Bhumjathai are part of the outgoing administration and came third in the latest election, winning 70 seats in the lower house.