Thai opp parties eye coalition govt after securing 313 seats

Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat (center) arrives to address a press conference with potential coalition partners in Bangkok on May 18, 2023, after his party secured the most seats in Thailand's general election.
(PHOTO / AFP)

Move Forward’s leader Pita Limjaroenrat announced on Thursday that his party would work with seven other parties in forming the government coalition, who together have a strength of 313 seats in Thailand's 500-seat House of Representatives.

The eight-party coalition comprises Move Forward, Pheu Thai, Thai Sang Thai, Thai Liberal, Prachachart, Fair, Plung Sungkom Mai, and Peu Thai Ruamphalang parties.

The alliance overnight added two more members and three seats but it still appears short of the 376 votes needed from the 750-member bicameral legislature to vote in a prime minister to form a government

Pita said during the press conference that all parties are required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with its details set to be released by Monday. 

"There is a committee and negotiation team in place to find out what I further need, the seats I need, so there is stability and no loss of balance in governing," Pita said. 

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"My coalition is taking shape. And we have a very clear roadmap from today and until the day I become PM."

The alliance overnight added two more members and three seats but it still appears short of the 376 votes needed from the 750-member bicameral legislature to vote in a prime minister to form a government.

Move Forward won massive youth support with a lively campaign and sophisticated use of social media, but its anti-establishment stance on some issues, including over business monopolies, could complicate its bid to rule.

The US-educated Pita, 42, was dealt a blow late on Wednesday when the third-place finisher Bhumjaithai – a potential game-changer with its 70 seats – said it could not back any prime minister who supports amending or abolishing the lese-majeste law.

Asked about Bhumjaithai's declaration, Pita said: "That is their matter. The eight parties have a position and clarity."

READ MORE: Voters go to polls in Thailand's general election

Pita also brushed off a pending case filed with the election commission seeking to disqualify him over shares he allegedly holds in a media company, which could be a violation of rules.

"I'm not worried … I understand there are many dimensions in politics," he said. "As a public figure I can accept the investigation."

With Reuters inputs