BANGKOK, May 23 (TNA) – One day before the new Parliament
convenes the first session, no political bloc is able to form a solid coalition
for the new government.
Exactly two months after the general election, Parliament
will select its new speaker on Friday and subsequently hold a session to vote
for the next prime minister on Saturday.
The pro-junta Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) who is viewed
as the strongest contender to lead the coalition formation held a meeting of
its MPs on Thursday. But all key
members including its leader Uttama Savanayana were all absent, leading
reporters to speculate negotiations with potential allies.
The undecided Bhumjaithai, Democrat, Chartthaipattana and
Chartpattana parties accounting for 116 MPs have been focal points of Thai
politics. They have not made clear
whether to join the PPRP amid criticisms over intense negotiations on Cabinet
portfolios.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Democrat Party
leader Jurin Laksanawisit have dismissed rumours on setting up a government and
negotiations over Cabinet seats.
Meanwhile, Mingkwan Saengsuwan on Thursday announced his
resignation as leader of New Economics Party which has allied with the
anti-junta bloc led by Pheu Thai Party.
His resignation has been widely seen as a possible defect
from Pheu Thai.
The Pheu Thai’s seven-party block also faces another setback
when the Constitutional Court accepted a petition seeking disqualification of
the leader of Future Forward Party (FFP), Thanathorn Juangrungruangkij.
The outspoken businessman-turned-politician has been accused
of violating the Constitution by owning shares of a media company. The Election Commission last week requested
the court to rule on the matter.
While pending the court’s ruling, Thanathorn is barred from
performing his duty as MP and, in effect, will not attend Parliament on
Friday. The judges cited possible
complications over his status.
On Friday, the Senate and House speakers will be elected before
being submitted for royal endorsements.
And on Saturday, the House speaker is to call a joint meeting of the two
houses to vote for the Prime Minister from among the candidates.
The long-awaited
coalition could only be revealed by then. (TNA)
