Two Senators Pull Support For Pita, Uncertainty Remains Ahead Of PM Vote

The clock is ticking on the MFP-led coalition's efforts to gather enough support from members of the military-appointed Senate to be able to install MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat as Prime Minister, with the vote set to take place on July 13. Thai Enquirer ran a summary of latest comments from several Senators:

• Monthien Boontan said he will vote with the majority in the lower house and called on other Senators to respect the people's mandate. He believes that the amendment of the lese-majeste law will not prevent all Senators from supporting MFP leader.
• Direkrit Jenklongtham will back the candidate of lower house majority, but doubts that the MFP could get enough senatorial votes. He said that the amendment of one law (lese-majeste) should not prevent government formation.
  
• Prapasri Suchantabutr will vote for MFP leader Pita due to the party's majority in the lower house and advised other Senators not to be concerned with questions surrounding Pita's shares in a media company.
  
• Songdet Samerkham and Chalermchai Fuangkhon withdrew their support for Pita due to his plan to amend the lese-majeste law. Songdet said that less than 10 Senators would currently vote for Pita.
• There is no firm indication that Pita could currently get the votes of more than 10 upper house members, despite his claims to the contrary. He needs the support of at least 64 Senators in order to take office.
  
• Considerable uncertainty around the Senate's stance bodes ill for local assets, with investors looking for more hints on the timeline for the formation of the next administration and more clarity on its policy orientations.