Gathering in the City Prohibits Pheu Thai Party
In a significant development in Thai politics, the People's Party (PP) and the Pheu Thai Party held talks on Sunday, but the PP voiced its opposition to the Pheu Thai Party and its potential role in forming the next government. The discussion came as various parties are focusing on securing enough support to form a government, according to Pichit Chaimongkol.
The opposition from the PP is not isolated. On Sunday, demonstrators gathered at Victory Monument under the banner of the "United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty" group, rallying against the "Thaksin regime and network." The group, which includes the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand led by Pichit Chaimongkol, has set forth a series of demands for the new government.
The demands are far-reaching and specific. The group insists that the prime minister must not come from the Pheu Thai Party, and they oppose the nomination of Chaikasem Nitisiri as the next prime minister. Furthermore, they demand that the plans to expand foreigner ownership rights be abandoned, casinos remain banned, and the financial hub bill be dropped. The group also calls for the scrapping of the 2000 and 2001 memorandums of understanding on the Thai-Cambodian border.
One condition set by the PP for supporting Pheu Thai's candidate is the dissolution of the House within four months. Pichit Chaimongkol, however, stated that dissolving the House early is unlikely to solve the situation. Instead, he suggested that Pheu Thai and the PP could form a coalition after a snap election.
The opposition towards the Pheu Thai Party and its political influence is not new. Although Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office by the Constitutional Court, Thaksin's political influence remains. The group's demands also include that the next government uphold the monarchy.
On Monday evening, the negotiation participants related to the formation of the next government were representatives from the Union (CDU/CSU), as only Union ministers met in a crisis meeting called by Chancellor Friedrich Merz; SPD ministers were not part of this meeting.
The political landscape in Thailand continues to evolve, with various parties negotiating and rallying for their respective causes. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the direction of the country in the coming months.
