Thaksin and Thanathorn's discussions allegedly unknown to Phumtham, claims Phumtham
In the aftermath of the May 14 general election in 2023, political parties in Thailand are actively pursuing negotiations to form a new government. One of the key players in these discussions is the Pheu Thai Party, led by de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who met with Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement and former leader of the People's Party, on Saturday morning.
Thanathorn, who has not yet spoken with the five possible successors for Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai's chosen candidate for prime minister, seeks the support of the People's Party for forming a new government. Thaksin, in his meeting with Thanathorn, reportedly asked whether the People's Party would vote to support Pheu Thai candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri for prime minister.
The People's Party, known for its push for political reform, has set certain conditions for supporting a new government. One of the key conditions is that the next government must lay the groundwork to draft a new constitution. Pheu Thai is open to these proposals, but opinions among Pheu Thai MPs vary.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who serves as Pheu Thai secretary-general, acknowledges informal talks with the People's Party have taken place. He also suggests that the proposed four-month timeline for the interim government proposed by the People's Party might be extended to six months through negotiation.
Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai negotiating team is reportedly meeting at the Conrad Hotel on Saturday. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai was appointed with full authority as acting prime minister at a special cabinet meeting on Saturday.
The Bhumjaithai parties are also competing to put together a coalition and are courting the People's Party, the largest in parliament. However, Thanathorn reiterated the conditions the People's Party has set for supporting a new government, and suggested that Thaksin should speak directly with the party's leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.
In a veiled reference to Bhumjaithai, Sorawong urges observers to consider which parties had previously obstructed such reforms. He did not indicate that formal talks with the People's Party are imminent, stating that the parties are still working things out behind the scenes.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Pheu Thai is cautious about making promises and stressed they will not make empty ones. The People's Party, on the other hand, is actively pursuing negotiations with Pheu Thai to secure parliamentary support for forming a new government. The outcome of these negotiations could shape the political landscape of Thailand in the coming months.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
- Right-wing Israeli minister supports controversial plan for West Bank settlement expansion
