Coalition parties aim to finalize their prime ministerial candidates by Thursday following the recent dismissal of Srettha Thavisin.
The House of Representatives is set to convene on Friday for a crucial vote to select a new prime minister after Srettha’s court-ordered removal on Wednesday.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha issued a notice to all members of parliament on Wednesday evening, summoning them to meet at 10 AM on Friday, according to a House secretary-general.
Wisuth Chainarun, the government chief whip, indicated that both government and opposition parties, along with the caretaker cabinet, have reached a consensus on the urgency of the vote.
Government whips are scheduled to meet on Thursday to deliberate on prospective candidates for prime minister.
“Coalition leaders will engage in internal discussions regarding their candidates,” stated Wisuth.
Eligible candidates are required to come from the lists submitted by parties before the May 2023 general election. With Srettha no longer in contention, the leading coalition party, Pheu Thai, has two remaining options: party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri.
Sources reveal that Chaikasem, 75, is reportedly in poor health, while Paetongtarn, 37, is facing familial pressure regarding her potential candidacy.
Another insider noted that Chaikasem is likely to be nominated, as Paetongtarn has expressed reservations about accepting the role.
Recent discussions involving key government figures and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have reportedly paved the way for Mr. Chaikasem’s candidacy.
Pheu Thai’s secretary-general has expressed hope for the nomination of a party candidate, emphasizing their status as the party with the most representatives in the coalition.
“The final decision regarding the prime ministerial slot will be contingent upon discussions with our coalition partners,” he added.
He also assured that the digital wallet handout initiative would progress once the political landscape stabilizes, as it forms a cornerstone of Pheu Thai’s policy framework.
Caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will preside over a cabinet meeting at 2 PM on Thursday to outline the government’s immediate next steps.
Phumtham cut short an official trip to return to Bangkok following the Constitutional Court ruling that deemed Srettha guilty of an ethical violation for appointing a minister with a criminal record.
Anutin Charn virakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and a prominent contender for the premiership, affirmed that the coalition remains united and expressed support for Pheu Thai’s leadership in government formation.
A candidate requires backing from over half of the current 493 lawmakers, or a minimum of 247 votes, to be elected prime minister. If this threshold is not met, another voting session will be held with the possibility of new candidates being proposed.
The coalition government holds a significant 314 seats in the House.
Other potential candidates being considered for the prime ministerial role include Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the military-aligned Palang Pracharath Party.
