Srettha Remains Front-Runner To Be Pheu Thai's PM Candidate

Thai Enquirer cites local media reports noting that Pheu Thai PM candidate Srettha Thavisin "told his party's executive members that for him to be nominated as PM, Move Forward Party must remain in the coalition to maintain public support." In addition, Srettha reportedly asked for keeping the Democrat Party and the Ruam Thai Sang Party outside the coalition, while expressing interest in collaporating with the former ruling Palang Pracharath Party, on the condition that its leader Prawit Wongsuwon does not become member of the Cabinet.

• Srettha is the front-runner to become Pheu Thai's candidate in the coming second round of the PM vote. He appeared to have started laying the groundwork for a PM bid, noting that Pheu Thai would firmly oppose any changes to the lese-majeste law if it gets to lead a government. The MFP's plan to amend the so-called Section 112 of the Criminal Code was one of the key reasons cited by pro-military lawmakers who voted to block Pita Limjaroenrat's PM candidacy.
• Senior Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang outlined three scenarios for government formation going forward: (1) members of the eight-party coalition and Senators find a compromise solution on the lese-majeste issue; (2) the pro-democracy coalition stays united and moves to the opposition; (3) Pheu Thai breaks with the MFP and finds alternative coalition partners. Separately, Pheu Thai Secretary General Chaitawat Tulathon said that the party will consult with the MFP on the next moves over the next two days or so.