The House of Representatives is set to vote for a new Prime Minister on 16 August following the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. The court ruled that Srettha had violated ethical standards by appointing lawyer Pichit Chuenban, who had a controversial past involving contempt of court and bribery allegations. As per the Constitution, a minister must not have behavior that seriously violates ethical standards or have been sentenced to imprisonment, leading to Srettha’s dismissal.
House of Representatives to Vote for New Prime Minister
The House Speaker has informed MPs that the original agenda for this Friday’s meeting has been canceled to make way for the vote on a new Prime Minister. The selection will be made from a list of candidates nominated ahead of last year’s general election, with parties needing at least 25 MPs in parliament to renominate their candidates. The government coalition parties have also announced their willingness to back a candidate nominated by the Pheu Thai Party, but with a condition of not supporting an amendment to the royal defamation law.
Candidates Nominated for Prime Minister
Following a meeting at the Shinawatra family residence, the Pheu Thai Party has decided to nominate former Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri as their candidate for Prime Minister. However, there have been reports that most MPs within the party are in favor of nominating Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the party leader and youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Their preference is based on concerns about Chaikasem’s health and Paetongtarn’s visibility during the election campaign tour.
The Bhumjaithai Party, United Thai Nation Party, and Phalang Pracharat Party, part of the government coalition with Pheu Thai, have expressed their support for Pheu Thai’s candidate but have made it clear that they will not back anyone who supports an amendment to the royal defamation law. On the opposition front, the People’s Party, the successor to the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, has decided to stay as an opposition party and will not participate in the vote for a new Prime Minister. They remain open to collaborating with the government on constitutional amendments and related laws.
Pheu Thai Party’s Nomination
The Pheu Thai Party’s executive board has officially announced their decision to nominate Paetongtarn Shinawatra as their candidate for Prime Minister. This decision was supported by the government coalition parties during a press conference where they pledged their backing for Paetongtarn’s nomination. The upcoming vote for a new Prime Minister will be a crucial moment for Thailand’s political landscape, determining the leadership direction in the aftermath of Srettha’s dismissal.
The selection of a new Prime Minister carries significant weight, not only for the government but also for the country as a whole. The choice made by the House of Representatives will shape the political agenda and policies moving forward, impacting the economy, social issues, and international relations. It is a decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure stability and progress for Thailand.
As the political landscape evolves with each vote and decision, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and interests of the Thai people. The new Prime Minister must demonstrate integrity, competence, and a commitment to serving the nation with dedication and transparency. The upcoming vote on 16 August will be a defining moment in Thailand’s political history, setting the course for the future of governance and leadership in the country.
In conclusion, the House of Representatives’ vote for a new Prime Minister on 16 August marks a critical juncture in Thailand’s political landscape. The selection of a leader to steer the country forward requires careful consideration, strategic planning, and a commitment to serving the nation’s best interests. As Thailand awaits the outcome of the vote, all eyes are on the House of Representatives to make a decision that will shape the future of governance and leadership in the country.