Go Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat attends a voting session on the day of the second vote for a new prime minister, at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2023. Photo by Reuters/Chalinee Thirasupa
Thailand’s election-winning Move Forward party will not support the candidate of former alliance partner Pheu Thai in a parliamentary vote on the next prime minister, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The Move Forward decision, which holds the most seats in parliament, could complicate efforts by political heavyweight Pheu Thai to garner the support needed to form a government and prolong weeks of political stalemate.
Despite dropping out of Move Forward earlier this month, second-placed Pheu Thai has sought his support from former property mogul and political newcomer Srettha Thavisin to become prime minister.
Move Forward lawmakers were unanimous in opposing it, its general secretary, Chaithawat Tulathon, told a news conference.
“The formation of the current government does not reflect the voice of the people,” Chaitawat said.
“It’s clear that senators and other parties want to stop Move Forward.”
Thailand has been under a caretaker government for five months and the next parliamentary vote on a prime minister has yet to be scheduled.
