Contender Phumtham expresses confidence in Pheu Thai party's ability to shape the upcoming government
Thailand is currently navigating a political transition, with the Pheu Thai Party announcing Chaikasem Nitisiri as their prime ministerial candidate. This comes amidst discussions for a new government coalition, which includes leaders from United Thai Nation, Democrat, Chartthaipattana, Prachachat, and Chart Pattana parties.
The Bhumjaithai Party has accepted a proposal for an interim government from the People's Party, but the exact timeline for the lower house to convene and choose a new prime minister is not specified in the constitution, although it is expected to be within the next week.
Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old lawyer and former attorney general with a long legal career, served as justice minister under Yingluck Shinawatra in 2013. However, the Pheu Thai Party has not yet confirmed Mr. Nitisiri as their candidate for the new government.
The other two candidates, Paetongtarn and Srettha Thavisin, were removed by the court, leaving Mr. Nitisiri as the last of the three candidates Pheu Thai proposed before the 2023 elections. The Constitutional Court of Thailand ruled against Paetongtarn Shinawatra's premiership.
The candidate of the United Thai Nation party for the prime minister position in the new coalition is General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the former prime minister and conservative hardliner. However, his return to politics is legally contested, and he is currently a privy councillor, making it highly unlikely. Another candidate from the United Thai Nation party is Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the deputy prime minister and party leader, but his chances are diminished due to corruption investigations and internal party conflicts.
The remaining choices for the prime ministerial candidate, outside of Mr. Anutin, are Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Jurin Laksanawisit, and General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The Pheu Thai Party is confident it can form a new government and retain enough partners to hold power in parliament. However, the political uncertainty and economic outlook could remain gloomy due to the current situation.
As the negotiations for the new government coalition continue, the nation waits for the lower house to convene and for a decision on the new prime minister.
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