MFP’s support for Pheu Thai sparks coalition speculation

[webfact]

 

The Move Forward Party (MFP) has recently shown a surprisingly empathetic stance towards the ruling Pheu Thai Party, sparking accusations that their previous antagonism may have been an act.

 

Observers have noted two key developments suggesting a possible reconciliation between the two largest parties, following Pheu Thai’s earlier decision to abandon a post-election promise to form a government with MFP.

 

Instead of partnering with MFP, Pheu Thai aligned with conservative parties, including Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, and United Thai Nation, excluding MFP from the coalition. MFP had the opportunity to nominate its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, as premier with Pheu Thai’s support, but the Senate rejected Pita’s bid outright.

Allegations surfaced about a secret meeting in Hong Kong involving influential political figures from Pheu Thai and MFP, discussing the possibility of MFP replacing the conservative bloc in the coalition if necessary. Initially, scepticism surrounded the so-called “Hong Kong deal.” However, a shift in MFP’s approach towards the Pheu Thai-led coalition has since lent credibility to these claims.

Recently, MFP withdrew from the provincial administrative organisation (PAO) chairman race in Pathum Thani, a move that puzzled supporters and political observers. Pathum Thani is a stronghold for MFP, where they secured a clean sweep in last year’s general election. The withdrawal left Pheu Thai’s candidate as the likely winner.

 

MFP list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn lamented the wasted years due to military coups.

 

“It’s a pity that the people of the current generation are finding their ageing serves no useful purpose. Their time has been lost because of the coups.”

 

Wiroj referred to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, mentioning the 2006 protests that led to Thaksin’s ousting. Thaksin, who fled before being convicted of abuse of power in 2008, received a royal pardon last year, reducing his jail term from eight years to one year and is now on parole.

 

Wiroj’s comments, interpreted as sympathetic to Thaksin who still wields significant influence over Pheu Thai, along with MFP’s Pathum Thani PAO race withdrawal, fuelled speculation of a potential MFP-Pheu Thai coalition. However, MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon dismissed these rumours, asserting that the two parties remain direct competitors.

 

Political observers note that MFP has strategic reasons to play hard to get. A survey by King Prajadhipok’s Institute indicated MFP’s rising popularity, projecting more than 200 seats in the next election, significantly outpacing Pheu Thai, reported Bangkok Post.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-15

 

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[Gottfrid]

So, if it was an act, is that anything different than the constant acting in all areas of other parties?

[Pouatchee]

is mfp selling the thais out? this story has all the makings of a soap opera

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The Move Forward Party (MFP) has recently shown a surprisingly empathetic stance towards the ruling Pheu Thai Party, sparking accusations that their previous antagonism may have been an act.

 

Observers have noted two key developments suggesting a possible reconciliation between the two largest parties, following Pheu Thai’s earlier decision to abandon a post-election promise to form a government with MFP.

This is what the headline says it is. Speculation. What isn't speculation is PTP jumping into bed with their enemy selling out their entire voting base. Apart from this it's more than likely there won't be an MFP to form any coalition after the 18th.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

Going forward, Thailand desperately needs international investments which have been declining since the Junta, and are in rapid decline now as nearby countries offer more to investors (especially Malaysia and Indonesia). Tourism is not a viable long term plan for an economy and some Thais know that.  Structural reform of Laws and Infrastructure and Laws are needed (as per the BTO Head), and that will only happen if/when the Parliament is 'stable'.  The time has come to 'destroy' the political power of the military once and for all, and that will only happen if Parties that are aligned with the Junta are removed or decimated/irrelevant. And that will only happen if MFP and PT work together and take over Parliament - when there is a Senate who will not block changes (coming soon we hope).  It the end (hopefully 2-5 years) MFP and PT will then split and take take up the traditional roles, as in all western democracies, where the two main political Parties are left (MFP) and right (PT) - with both trying to won the centre, and with both going into and out of power.   For the last 3 decades it has been the Military and a very fragmented Opposition (made so by the military etc), what Thailand needs is the removal all all political influence and control by the Military and their supporting Parties.  

[Geoffggi]

Nice thought - If only .............!!!

[hotchilli]

It's not my country, I'm not bothered.

[chuang]

This is POLITICS...

[bannork]

Thaksin attempting to revive old style politics and bring back the clans under Pheu Thai.