BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai reaffirmed the unity of Thailand’s ruling coalition during a press conference on August 29, announcing that all coalition partners will continue working together during the political transition. In light of ongoing developments, the coalition agreed to serve as a caretaker government to ensure continuity and prevent a power vacuum while moving forward with the process of forming a new administration.
Phumtham confirmed that the Pheu Thai Party remains at the center of government formation efforts and will lead the selection of Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister. Coalition members present, including the Thai Sang Thai, Democrat, Prachachart, Chartthaipattana, and Chartpattana parties, expressed their continued support and confirmed that they will maintain their alliance as before.
Internal discussions are underway on whether to nominate Chaikasem Nitisiri, the Pheu Thai Party’s third candidate for prime minister, for consideration by Parliament. Phumtham also stated that the Cabinet will meet to determine who will assume the interim leadership role during the transitional period.
The Interior Minister stated that the coalition’s parliamentary numbers remain steady, although the final configuration of parties in the new government will depend on the outcome of the parliamentary vote. He added that any proposed conditions by outside parties will be reviewed based on their merit and national interest.
This includes the position of the People’s Party, which announced plans to move into opposition but left open the possibility of supporting a prime ministerial candidate under certain conditions, such as constitutional reform or the eventual dissolution of the House. (NNT)
