THAILAND’s general elections on Sunday saw Move Forward Party winning most of the votes and meeting with opposition parties for coalition talks.
The 42-year-old leader of the Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat said that seven other parties have agreed to form a coalition government with him as the prime minister.
The eight-party coalition includes Move Forward, Pheu Thai, Prachachart, FAIR Party, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang, and the Plung Sungkom Mai Party.
Together, they secure a majority of 313 votes in the Lower House.
The Move Forward Party leader is confident he could get additional support from rivals to support his alliance and form a stable government.
A party or a coalition needs at least 376 votes in both houses of Thailand’s parliament to elect a prime minister and form a government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha makes his first public comments after the election.
Gen. Prayut thanked voters for exercising their rights and congratulated all political parties.
He asked all Thai people to cooperate to create love, unity, and stability for the nation.
He also promised to continue doing his best as prime minister and head of government while waiting for the new government.
“From now on, they are in the process of establishing a government which I welcome, and I ask all Thai people to cooperate to create love, unity, and stability for the nation without conflict. While waiting for the new government to perform their duties, I will continue to do my best as prime minister and head of government,” said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The remaining roadblock for the coalition to form a new government is the unelected 250-seat Senate which is chosen entirely by the military.
