Coalition talks in Thailand after opposition victory
The Move Forward Party (MFP) emerged as the biggest party in Thailand’s recent election, with 152 seats, after voters rejected nearly a decade of military-backed rule. MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat is now trying to build an alliance with Pheu Thai, the party that has dominated Thai politics for two decades, and four smaller groups. However, to secure the prime minister’s job, the coalition needs a majority across both houses, including the Senate, whose 250 members were handpicked by the previous junta. Some senators have already voiced opposition to Pita, rattled by his strong anti-establishment stance that includes plans to amend the kingdom’s tough royal insult laws.
Bhumjaithai party refuses to back MFP
In a fresh blow to the MFP, the Bhumjaithai party said it would not back a party that wanted to amend lese-majeste laws, known as 112 after its section of the Thai penal code. The party was part of the outgoing coalition of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and now boasts 70 lower house seats. Military-linked parties could in theory try to form a minority government, relying on Senate support to get their choice of prime minister through, but with few lower house seats, it would find it difficult to govern.
ANFREL calls for a government that reflects the will of the people
Regional observers from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) said Thailand should have a government that « reflects the will of the people ». ANFREL saluted the strong voter turnout of just over 75 percent and said the poll was more transparent than the previous one in 2019.
