Thai opposition agrees coalition to take power

Six opposition parties in Thailand, most notably Move Forward and Pheu Thai, have agreed to form a coalition to ensure the formation of a new government .

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Thailand's opposition Move Forward Party, claimed victory today after his party won 151 seats in the House of Representatives after the general election. Mr. Pita said he had contacted opposition parties, seeking to form a six-party coalition, including Pheu Thai, the second-ranked party with 141 seats in the House of Representatives.

Representatives of the Pheu Thai Party later confirmed that they would join the Move Forward Party to form a new government. In addition to Pheu Thai and Move Forward, the alliance also includes the Prachachat Party, Thai Sang Thai Party and the Thai Freedom Party.

Pheu Thai leaders expressed confidence that the 309-seat coalition in the House of Representatives is enough to form a stable government.

Mr. Pita has declared that he will become the next prime minister of Thailand. However, the Pheu Thai Party said that the nomination of the prime minister depends on legal requirements.

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (left) and Pheu Thai Party representative Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Photo: AFP — Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (left) and Pheu Thai Party representative Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Photo: *AFP*

The results of the total number of seats in the House of Representatives of Thailand's parties are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. However, winning a majority of seats in the House of Representatives for a party or coalition does not mean that its leader will become Thailand's prime minister.

The Thai prime minister will be chosen in July by a joint session of the 500 members of the lower house and 250 senators, who are appointed by the military government. The person who becomes Thai prime minister must receive the support of a majority of both the lower and upper houses, corresponding to a minimum of 376 votes.

The leader of the Pheu Thai Party has called on senators appointed by the Thai military to "respect the voice of the people". The Thai army chief has previously pledged not to carry out any coups after the election.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP/Reuters/Khaosod )

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