Thai PM Election Set for September 5 – RFI
- After months of deadlock following the May 2023 general election, Thailand's Parliament is scheduled to vote for a new Prime Minister on September 5th.
- The May 14, 2023 general election saw the Move Forward Party (MFP) win the most seats, with 151 out of 500.
- Despite securing the largest number of seats, MFP's nominee, Pita Limjaroenrat, failed to secure enough votes in Parliament to become Prime Minister in multiple ballots.
Thailand’s Political Impasse: Parliament to Vote for Prime Minister on september 5th
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After months of deadlock following the May 2023 general election, Thailand’s Parliament is scheduled to vote for a new Prime Minister on September 5th. The move comes amid ongoing political maneuvering and uncertainty surrounding the formation of a stable government.
Background: The 2023 General Election and Subsequent Stalemate
The May 14, 2023 general election saw the Move Forward Party (MFP) win the most seats, with 151 out of 500. However, the party’s progressive platform, including reforms to the lèse-majesté law (which protects the monarchy from criticism), faced significant opposition from conservative elements within the military and the establishment.
Despite securing the largest number of seats, MFP’s nominee, Pita Limjaroenrat, failed to secure enough votes in Parliament to become Prime Minister in multiple ballots. This was largely due to opposition from appointed senators,who hold significant power in the parliamentary process,and from parties aligned with the military. Pita was also suspended as a candidate due to a controversy surrounding his ownership of media shares,a violation of election regulations.
Following Pita’s unsuccessful bids, the Pheu Thai Party, which came in second place in the election with 141 seats, took the lead in forming a new coalition government. Pheu Thai, historically linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been negotiating with various parties, including those previously aligned with the military, to secure enough support for its prime ministerial candidate.
The Upcoming Vote on September 5th
The Parliament’s decision to schedule the vote for September 5th represents a critical juncture in Thailand’s political landscape. The primary candidate expected to be nominated by the Pheu Thai-led coalition is Srettha Thavisin, a property developer and former executive at Sansiri public company Limited.
The vote will involve members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.To become Prime Minister, a candidate needs a majority vote from both chambers combined – at least 376 votes. Securing this majority will be a significant challenge for Srettha, given the complex political dynamics and the potential for continued opposition from conservative factions.
Several scenarios are possible:
- Triumphant Vote: Srettha Thavisin secures the necessary votes and becomes the new Prime Minister,leading to the formation of a new government.
- Failed vote: Srettha fails to secure enough votes, potentially leading to further political instability and the need for additional negotiations or even a new election.
- Coalition Shifts: Unexpected shifts in coalition support could occur, altering the outcome of the vote.
Key Players and Political Forces
| Party | Leader | seats (House of Representatives) | Political Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move Forward Party (MFP) | Pita Limjaroenrat | 151 | Progressive, Pro-Democracy |