BANGKOK: Bangkok witnessed a crucial meeting on Wednesday as opposition groups in Thailand convened for coalition talks to form government after a resounding victory at the ballot box.
The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), emerging as the largest party in Sunday’s election, aims to forge alliances with other opposition parties to establish a formidable coalition.
MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat engaged in closed-door discussions with senior officials from five opposition parties, including the long-standing dominant force in Thai politics, Pheu Thai, and four smaller groups.
With the MFP securing 152 seats and Pheu Thai coming second with 141, a coalition with the other parties would amass over 300 seats in the 500-member lower house.
However, to secure the position of prime minister, the coalition requires a majority across both houses, including the Senate, which comprises 250 members appointed by the previous junta.
MFP’s Efforts to Form Government
A potential hurdle for the MFP’s leader is the opposition expressed by some senators, concerned about Pita’s strong anti-establishment stance and his plans to amend the stringent royal insult laws.
Senator Jadet Inswang explicitly stated his refusal to accept Pita as prime minister, citing concerns about lese-majeste reform.
Senator Kittisak Ratanawaraha echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the prime ministerial candidate to demonstrate love for the nation and monarchy.
The MFP’s coalition strategy received a setback when the Bhumjaithai party announced on Wednesday evening that it would not support a party seeking to amend lese-majeste laws, known as section 112 of the Thai penal code.
Bhumjaithai, previously part of the outgoing coalition under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, possesses 70 seats in the lower house.
The party’s statement indicated its willingness to move into opposition if a government aiming to alter or abolish section 112 were to be formed, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the monarchy.
While military-linked parties could attempt to form a minority government with Senate support, their limited representation in the lower house would present challenges in governing effectively.
The recent election in Thailand saw a commendable voter turnout of just over 75 percent, as reported by regional observers from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL).
The mission commended the transparency of the poll, which surpassed the previous election in 2019. ANFREL’s 41 regional observers visited 460 polling stations in 51 provinces and observed a peaceful and orderly voting process. While concerns about vote-buying were reported, specific figures were not provided.
