People’s Party to Maintain Leadership of Opposition

The People’s Party reaffirmed its commitment to leading the opposition as the principal party in parliament, refusing to support the current coalition ahead of a critical House vote scheduled for Friday to select a new premier.

On Thursday, the party’s leader stated that they will not endorse Chaikasem Nitisiri from the Pheu Thai Party, a prominent figure who previously served as attorney-general and justice minister and is being considered for the premiership.

The People’s Party emerged following the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court last week, which ruled that the MFP had undermined the constitutional monarchy and national security.

Pheu Thai members are set to convene on Thursday afternoon to choose between their two eligible candidates for nomination.

Adverse developments unfolded on Wednesday when the charter court found Srettha Thavisin guilty of serious ethical violations due to his appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. This ruling led to Srettha’s removal from his position just months into his term, along with the termination of his cabinet roles.

In a related development, senior member of Palang Pracharath, Santi Promphat, announced that his party would extend its support to coalition partner Pheu Thai’s candidates for the premiership.

Palang Pracharath, historically associated with the last military government, stands as the third-largest party in the coalition with 40 seats in the House. The party is led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, who is speculated to be among the potential candidates for premier.