Pheu Thai is poised to present Srettha Thavisin as its nominee for the position of prime minister. The party anticipates that he will gather the required support promptly, bypassing the need for his physical presence at the joint parliamentary session convened to conduct the vote on his nomination. This insight was shared by none other than the party’s secretary-general, Prasert Chanthararuangthong.
On the day marking the start of the week, precisely Monday, Mr. Prasert took the opportunity to underscore that influential figures within the party had reached a unanimous decision to endorse Mr. Srettha as their candidate for the prime ministerial role.
He emphatically brushed aside any rumors suggesting that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, another of the party’s registered candidates, might be selected as an alternative to Mr. Srettha. It is worth noting that Ms. Paetongtarn is the daughter of the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr. Prasert stated, “We estimate that the House of Representatives’ members who pledge their support to Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial nominee will likely total around 270. Concurrently, endeavors are underway to secure backing from the Senate.
I hold a strong conviction that a significant number of senators will align with Pheu Thai’s candidate. Thus, I am confident that Mr. Srettha will attain an immediate victory in the election.”
As prescribed by the constitution, the designation of the prime minister mandates a joint vote by the 500 representatives of the House, combined with the 250 senators.
Mr. Prasert took the opportunity to affirm Pheu Thai’s openness to receiving support from all political quarters, inclusive of those affiliated with the caretaker Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and the caretaker Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwon.
In response to inquiries about certain senators’ insistence on Mr. Srettha offering an elaborate account of his qualifications within the parliamentary session, Mr. Prasert elucidated that, since Mr. Srettha is not an elected Member of Parliament, his physical presence during the parliamentary vote for the prime ministerial appointment is not obligatory.
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the President of the Parliament, divulged contemplations about the possibility of reconvening the joint sitting of the House and the Senate. This event could take place either at the conclusion of the present week, specifically on Friday, or during the following week, on Tuesday.
The intention behind this gathering would be to facilitate the vital vote for the prime ministerial nominee. President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha expressed a preference for awaiting the decision of the Constitutional Court, expected to be unveiled on Wednesday.
This decision pertains to the parliament’s resolution that had rejected the re-nomination of Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, for the prime ministerial candidacy on the 19th of July.