BANGKOK, Sept 4 (TNA) – Thailand’s House of Representatives is set to vote for a new prime minister on Friday, September 5, in a move that aims to end the country’s political deadlock.
The prime ministerial vote was scheduled after the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, announced its intention to form a minority government. The move followed a crucial agreement with the People’s Party, the largest opposition group.
Under the deal, the People’s Party will support Anutin for the top job on the condition that his new government dissolves the House within four months to pave the way for a general election.
The selection process is proceeding despite a last-minute attempt by the ruling Pheu Thai Party to dissolve Parliament. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had submitted a request for a royal decree to dissolve the House, but the request was reportedly returned by the Privy Council, citing the disputes over the legality of such submission by an acting premier.
The move by Phumtham sparked a legal challenge from New Democrat Party MP Surathin Phicharn, who filed a complaint alleging that the acting prime minister lacked the authority for such an action. The complaint also included a charge under Section 112, a law against insulting the monarchy.
In a press conference on Thursday, Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, demanded clarity on the dissolution process from Phumtham.
The call comes as the House of Representatives has already scheduled a vote for a new prime minister, with the ruling Pheu Thai Party nominating a candidate but news reports suggest the government submitted additional information to the Privy Council to reaffirm its request for a royal decree to dissolve the House.
Natthapong said his party believes the executive branch has the authority to dissolve the House, but needs confirmation on whether the process has concluded. He affirmed the party’s decision to support Anutin Charnvirakul for prime minister.
The opposition leader also voiced his strong disagreement with the legal complaints filed against Phumtham over the dissolution attempt. He urged those who filed the complaints to withdraw them, calling for a resolution to the political crisis without the use of “lawfare.” -819 (812) (TNA)
