BANGKOK, July 25 (TNA) – Eight prospective coalition parties will meet Tuesday afternoon after Pheu Thai party has held talks with other political parties to seek more support for the PM vote but the outcome remains uncertain as those parties refuse to compromise and amend Section 112, commonly known as lèse-majesté law.
The meeting venue has been changed from the Pheu Thai headquarters to parliament after reports of a possible protest at the party.
Pheu Thai, which came second in the election and now is taking the lead in forming a government after the election – winning Move Forward Party stepped back. Pheu Thai’s negotiation team held talks with five political parties, including “Bhumjaithai,” “Chart Pattana Kla,” “United Thai Nation” “Chart Thai Patthana,” and “Palang Pracharath.” Most of these parties have maintained a clear stance of not collaborating with Move Forward Party and not amending Section 112. Meanwhile, the Democrat Party has not participated in the discussions, but it is evident that they will neither join the MFP either nor amend Section 112.
Pheu Thai’s negotiating team has been struggling to secure enough support from the Senate in the upcoming vote. Despite their attempts, the discussions have not reached a successful conclusion as the Senate remains firm in its stance that if any party intends to amend Section 112, they will not garner their votes
On the other hand, MFP said they will not join a coalition government with Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation. Instead, they will attempt to stick together with the eight-party allies that reflect the voices of the people. The Fair party in the eight-party alliance has shown a clear stance to stick with MFP.
Consequently, the current situation for Pheu Thai appears ambiguous. They have to choose between five parties including those of the former government bloc or eight prospective coalition parties to form a new government.
As for the proposal put forward by Kannavee Suebsang, the secretary-general of the Fair Party to extend the PM votes for another 10 months when the Senate’s tenure will expire in May next year, many parties view it as taking too much time and potentially damaging the nation. (TNA)
