In a pivotal shift for Thailand’s political landscape, the country’s parliament is primed to cast votes for a new prime minister on July 13. The announcement was unveiled on Wednesday by the newly endorsed house speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
Matha, who was ratified as house speaker just a day prior, wields the power to summon a joint sitting of the country’s bicameral legislature. This session will determine the future prime minister, marking a potential shift in the power dynamic of Thailand’s political scene.
The spotlight falls on two parties, the Move Forward party and the Pheu Thai. In the May elections, these parties showed significant prowess by outpacing their conservative counterparts. The Move Forward party and Pheu Thai gained a solid footing in the 500-member lower house, procuring 151 and 141 seats, respectively.
In their bid for leadership, these two parties are not standing alone. Six other parties are predicted to back the nomination of the Move Forward leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, for the position of premier. If successful, Limjaroenrat, an alumnus of U.S. education, would be stepping into the shoes of the incumbent, Prayuth Chan-ocha.
However, the road to leadership is not without its obstacles. Despite their collective strength of 312 votes, the alliance falls short of the requisite 376 votes for Limjaroenrat in the joint sitting. The conservative-leaning 250-member Senate, appointed during the military rule, may present a challenge to the new leadership.
As Thailand prepares for this pivotal vote, the nation watches with bated breath, anticipating a potential shift in its political landscape.
