Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The opposition People's Party has delayed its decision on supporting a prime ministerial candidate, challenging the caretaker Pheu Thai government to dissolve the House. Party spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu emerged to quash rumours about backing the Bhumjaithai Party and its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul.

 

Silencing speculation, Mr Parit demanded Pheu Thai act decisively. “Dissolve the House today, or we will decide the next prime minister,” he warned outside the party's Future Forward Building headquarters.

 

Thailand's People's Party insists on a new constitution referendum before supporting any government formation. For the past two months, they have been pushing for the dissolution of parliament, threatening to select the most practical option if they don't get their way by Wednesday.

 

Legal disputes over whether a caretaker government can legitimately dissolve the House for elections are engulfing Pheu Thai in the meantime. The Council of State advises against it, complicating the path forward for the acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai.

 

Though Pheu Thai did not intend to pressure coalition allies or spark parliamentary conflict, he emphasised responsibility. “Returning power to the people is not a threat; it's a cautious decision,” assured Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong.

 

Yet, no steps toward dissolution have been initiated, despite it being floated as an option. Both Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai are vying for support for their candidates, Chaikasem Nitisiri and Mr Anutin, respectively.

 

According to the Bangkok Post, the Constitutional Court's dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the premiership has given the People's Party, the largest parliamentary bloc with 143 seats, the key to government formation.

 

Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut navigated media crowds, arriving discreetly for ongoing deliberations. The afternoon meeting gathered vital feedback nationwide, with only 90 MPs present but others relaying contributions through internal systems.

 

The party actively solicits membership input, receiving over 20,000 responses from its more than 100,000 members within days, according to MP Pakornwut Udompipatsakul. Yet, a definitive direction remains unchosen, keeping the nation in suspense.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-03

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

According to the Bangkok Post, the Constitutional Court's dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the premiership has given the People's Party, the largest parliamentary bloc with 143 seats, the key to government formation

Hopefully they use this moment wisely...