Pheu Thai sets conditions for coalition government formation

Pheu Thai Family leader and prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra has revealed three conditions for the party to form a coalition government, with one condition being that Pheu Thai must manage all major ministries.

During an hour-long interview published on TikTok and Instagram Live, which was hosted by celebrity Kachapa “Mod Dam” Tancharoen on Monday night, Paetongtarn maintained that Pheu Thai’s campaign pledges, especially its promise to improve living conditions and promote startups, can be fulfilled.

Paetongtarn also committed to reducing illicit drug abuse by half within six months of the party taking power, stating that Pheu Thai is aware of the nation’s issues and knows how to address them, making it the best choice for Thailand at this time.

Paetongtarn further expressed that Pheu Thai would never collaborate with the “two Por,” referring to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.

Despite the election still being a few days away, the party declared its confidence in forming the next government and its readiness to work with other parties under three conditions. These conditions include that other parties must accept its policies and that the prime minister must be a Pheu Thai candidate, with major ministries managed by Pheu Thai.

Asked about the possibility of the Move Forward Party (MFP) working with Pheu Thai, Paetongtarn stated that the option remains open.

On the subject of revising Section 112 of the Criminal Code or the lese majeste law, Paetongtarn insisted that Pheu Thai would not abolish it, but instead would bring the matter to parliament for discussion.

“My father [Thaksin] became prime minister because he was chosen by the people, and he did not buy any votes. We have come this far because it is the will of the people,” Paetongtarn said.

When asked about the prime ministerial candidacy, Paetongtarn informed that all three Pheu Thai candidates, including Srettha Thavisin, have agreed to support each other for the betterment of the country.

In contrast, Pannika Wanich, a co-founder of the now-defunct Future Forward Party who serves as a campaign assistant for the MFP, stated that the party’s executive members believe Pheu Thai and the MFP can establish a competent government with over 300 seats.

Pannika mentioned that if the MFP wins the election, it’s leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, would present its 312 policies and 40 laws to parliament for discussion. She added that the MFP does not aim to oversee any specific ministry, reports Bangkok Post.