BANGKOK: Thailand’s political deadlock continues as the country’s parliament postponed a crucial vote to elect a new prime minister following a Constitutional Court ruling. The move prolongs the uncertainty in the kingdom, nearly three months after the May elections.
The reformist Move Forward Party (MFP) secured the highest number of seats in the polls, but fell short of a majority. Despite forming an eight-party coalition, their leader Pita Limjaroenrat was unable to gain approval as the premier. His nomination was blocked by junta-appointed senators who were concerned about MFP’s commitment to reform strict royal defamation laws. Additionally, Pita was denied a chance to be renominated a week later, leading to political turmoil in Thailand.
In response to a petition challenging the legality of Pita’s disqualification, the Constitutional Court stated that it requires more time to consider additional evidence before making a decision. As a result, the vote to choose a new prime minister, which was scheduled for Friday, has been postponed by house speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. The court’s decision is now expected on August 16.
The situation became more complex as the MFP withdrew from the coalition it previously led, now headed by the Pheu Thai party, which secured the second position in the election. Pheu Thai has announced property tycoon Srettha Thavisin as its nominee for the prime minister’s post.
Despite the delays and uncertainties, Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai remains optimistic, asserting that they have enough votes to form the government and the delay allows them to better prepare.
Candidate Requires Majority in Parliament to Become Prime Minister
To become the prime minister, a candidate must be approved by a majority in both houses of parliament, which includes 250 senators appointed under the previous junta rule. Without MFP’s support, Pheu Thai has been engaging with other parties to build a parliamentary majority, including some from the outgoing army-backed coalition government. However, this move has generated criticism from MFP supporters and even some within Pheu Thai’s ranks.
Adding to the political tension, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra is set to return to Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile to address criminal charges he considers politically motivated. Pheu Thai is a descendant of the political movement founded by Thaksin over two decades ago, and his presence continues to influence the political landscape.
The May elections marked the first since youth-led street protests in 2020, calling for reforms to the monarchy. MFP gained significant support from young and urban Thais disillusioned with the past decade of army-backed rule. However, its promises to reform royal defamation laws and tackle business monopolies faced strong resistance from the establishment.
Although MFP won the most votes and seats, it has now chosen to go into opposition, maintaining its commitment to bringing about change despite not holding power. The ongoing political impasse and the complex dynamics among various parties have prolonged the formation of a new government in Thailand.
