| Opposition parties have scored a massive victory in the recent election in Thailand, but even that may not be enough for a new government.
Read Tommy Walker’s report
The liberal Move Forward Party (MFP) is leading the way towards forming the next ruling coalition in Thailand after emerging as the winner of this month’s general election.
The MFP has now signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) with seven other parties in the Thai parliament. Together, they have formulated 23 points for reshaping the country’s future.
But the coalition still does not have the necessary majority in the National Assembly and experts warn there is no guarantee that it will actually end up in power.
Nonetheless MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat appeared confident at the signing ceremony in the capital Bangkok this week.
“Today is about setting it up, as a good starter, that we have to work together moving forward to declare our policies after I become prime minister,” he told reporters.
Senate appointed by military
Thailand’s parliament has a total of 750 members, including 250 senators appointed by the country’s military. The MFP is projected to control 152 seats on its own. The eight-party coalition it is part of jointly controls 313 seats — but still falls short of the 376 needed for a majority.
Adding to the instability is the fact that the country’s electoral commission has yet to confirm the election results. The deadline for this confirmation expires on June 13.
After the results are official, the 250-seat Senate will announce who their favorite candidate is to lead the next government.
Read the rest of Tommy’s report |
