Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post | Reuters

 

The People's Party remains a linchpin in the selection of the next prime minister. Having nearly a third of the parliamentary seats, the party's decision is pivotal after the dramatic sacking of Paetongtarn Shinawatra last Friday. The party's reluctance to side with either the ruling Pheu Thai or the ambitious Bhumjaithai adds to the uncertainty.

 

As tensions rise, People's Party officials gathered in Bangkok to deliberate their stand. Despite intense debates, spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu admitted, "We don't trust either," questioning if either party would meet their conditions for constitutional amendment and dissolution of parliament within four months. Resolved to meet again, the party's stance could alter Thailand's political landscape.

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra's expulsion marks another chapter in Thailand’s ongoing elite rivalry. The Shinawatra family, known for its significant political influence, now faces hurdles as Pheu Thai seeks to maintain coalition support. Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai, previously an ally, seizes the moment to forge its path under Anutin Charnvirakul’s leadership, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

As parliament gears up for a special session, a new prime minister's election hangs in the balance. With shifting alliances and looming economic concerns, the situation remains fluid. The People's Party, known for its anti-establishment stance, is the focus, having been thwarted by royalist military-backed lawmakers after the 2023 election.

 

Both Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai have met with the People's Party, expressing willingness to meet its demands. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasised the urgency of resolving the crisis. With a fragile economy in the backdrop, the coming days hold significant consequences for Thailand's political future.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-02

 

anything but pheu thai

if it is Anutin i hope he addreses he stupidities we are seeing in the weed business now.         

 

hopefylly he is not as racist as he has presented himself in the pass,, e.g. the face mask incident where he called 'farangs'  dirty       

peoples party should  provde thier own candidate - aren't they the largest single party in the house, I'd like see them form a coalition with some smaller parties and push out both  Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai although an election is the way forward now and not in 4 months

3 hours ago, webfact said:

"We don't trust either,"

With good reason. 

1 hour ago, smedly said:

peoples party should  provde thier own candidate - aren't they the largest single party in the house, I'd like see them form a coalition with some smaller parties and push out both  Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai although an election is the way forward now and not in 4 months

can not did not nominate any other than pita big mistake

WHO ARE THE PM CANDIDATES?

Five candidates remain in the running, including Chaikasem Nitisiri, 77, a former justice minister and attorney general who has kept a low profile but is now ready to step forward. Pheu Thai, which had initially proposed three candidates, now backs Chaikasem alone.

Other possibilities include Anutin Charnvirakul, 58, a former interior minister and deputy prime minister, whose Bhumjaithai party withdrew from the coalition in June. Also in the mix are Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, and former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, 71, who led the 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government and now serves as a royal adviser.

WHAT'S NEEDED TO BECOME PM?

A candidate must secure the backing of at least 50 lawmakers before the house can vote. To be appointed prime minister, the candidate must gain more than half of the current 492 seats in the lower house—at least 247 votes.

If no candidate succeeds, the process is repeated until a prime minister is chosen, with no set time limit.

4 hours ago, smedly said:

peoples party should  provde thier own candidate - aren't they the largest single party in the house, I'd like see them form a coalition with some smaller parties and push out both  Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai although an election is the way forward now and not in 4 months

Trouble is the smaller parties are mostly military/right wing aligned so the type of people who would call for the dissolution of Peoples Party at the drop of a hat. The last election saw a potential coalition between PT and Move Forward(PP) scuppered by the court over MF's call for reform of the Institution.

I still think another election is the best bet for PP. Hopefully an even bigger number of MPs so they would have majority control in any coalition with PT. But then I'm a glass half full guy.