BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party has finalised a 15-party ruling coalition ahead of the opening of parliament on March 14, said party leader and caretaker, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
He said the coalition comprises Bhumjaithai (192 seats), its key ally the Pheu Thai Party with 74 seats, and 13 other parties, giving the alliance enough members in the 500-seat House of Representatives to govern and manage legislative affairs.
Anutin said the process of forming the new government would proceed after parliament convenes, beginning with the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives.
“Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai will jointly propose three candidates for the positions for parliamentary endorsement and voting.
“We must wait for the royal endorsement of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. After that, the process of nominating a candidate for prime minister will follow,” he told reporters on Thursday.
Earlier, leaders of Bhumjaithai and the Pheu Thai Party met with Anutin, stressing that the visit by Pheu Thai leaders was solely to submit the name of a candidate for Second Deputy Speaker, while the Cabinet lineup would be determined in accordance with established procedures.
Local media reported that the coalition has the support of about 290 newly elected members of parliament. – BERNAMA
