The Bhumjaithai Party, previously aligned with Thailand's military-backed government, has officially declared that it will not join any coalition that includes the pro-democracy Move Forward Party. Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul made this announcement on Saturday, signaling a potential obstacle for the formation of a government led by the Pheu Thai Party, which aims to include Move Forward and other coalition partners.
In the May national election, Move Forward secured the most seats, but their leader has been prevented from taking office by conservative forces in parliament. On the other hand, Bhumjaithai Party holds the third most seats in the Thai parliament.
While the current coalition led by Pheu Thai commands a majority in the lower house of parliament, the next prime minister must secure more than half the votes in the combined National Assembly, which currently has a total strength of 748 members. The main challenge lies in winning the support of the 249-member Senate, which is largely stacked with allies of the pro-military and royalist establishment.
The Pheu Thai Party, the second-largest winner in the May election, has stated that it will seek the support of the military-appointed Senate before the upcoming prime minister vote scheduled for July 27.
Anutin's message regarding the exclusion of Move Forward Party will be conveyed to other pro-democracy alliance parties, according to Pheu Thai party leader Cholnan Srikaew, following their meeting. Pheu Thai is known for its strong backing from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted from power.
Conservatives within Thailand's parliament have vehemently opposed Move Forward's campaign promise to amend the controversial lese majeste law, which punishes individuals for defaming or insulting the king or other members of the royal family. A prominent senator, Kittisak Rattanawaraha, recently stated that Pheu Thai must sever ties with Move Forward if it wants to secure support from the Senate in forming a government.