In a stunning turn of events during the general election, the Move Forward Party has emerged victorious, securing the majority of seats in the lower house, surpassing its main rival, the Puea Thai Party. Reacting to this outcome, the Puea Thai Party, previously anticipating a landslide victory, has expressed its support for the Move Forward Party, signaling a potential coalition formation.
During a press conference held today, the Puea Thai Party congratulated the Move Forward Party for its remarkable success in securing the most seats in the House of Representatives. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the Puea Thai Party, conveyed her gratitude to all voters, highlighting how this election reflects the nation’s ongoing democratic transformation.
Paethongtarn stated unequivocally that her party has no intention of competing with the Move Forward Party in establishing a government. She revealed that she had a brief phone conversation with the leader of the Move Forward Party earlier in the day, although no substantive discussions took place. Paethongtarn added that further details would be deliberated within her party’s executive committee.
Both the Puea Thai and Move Forward parties are regarded as competitors within the pro-democracy realm, with the latter gaining recognition for its progressive ideas, while the former is renowned for its grassroots-focused policies and historical legacy. Both parties have served as opposition against the Phalang Pracharat-led coalition, headed by General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Regarding the contentious issue of amending the lese majeste law, a central campaign topic for the Move Forward Party, Paethongtarn asserted that her party maintains a clear stance against abolishing this law. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that parliamentary discussions could be pursued on this matter. Paethongtarn revealed that this subject would be among the conditions discussed during coalition negotiations between the two parties.
Addressing the plea by self-exiled former Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra, Paethongtarn’s father, to return to the country, she clarified that her father’s plans are unrelated to the party’s agenda, and the proposed timeframe of July remains unchanged.
Expressing personal disappointment with the election results, wherein the Puea Thai Party failed to secure the majority of seats, Paethongtarn admitted her disappointment but emphasized her sportsmanship and acceptance of the people’s decisions.
Taking to Instagram, Paethongtarn posted a congratulatory message to the Move Forward Party, emphasizing her commitment to democratic principles and expressing her support for the party’s leadership in forming a coalition.
Dr. Chonlanan Srikaew, leader of the Puea Thai Party, stated that the executive committees of both parties would need to engage in discussions to establish a cooperative framework. With the combined seats of the prospective coalition parties amounting to 309 out of 500 in the lower house, Dr. Chonlanan expressed confidence in the coalition’s potential to form a robust government. However, to secure a nomination for the Prime Minister’s position, the coalition would need to gather support from at least 376 votes, as the 250 senators retain voting power in the selection process.
Regarding the possibility of including the Bhumjaithai Party in the coalition, Dr. Chonlanan remarked that the Move Forward Party, as the leader of the coalition, would make the final decision on this matter.
