Pro-democracy group pressures senators to back MFP leader as prime minister

The United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) announced plans to stage a rally in front of the Parliament building tomorrow at 5pm, urging senators to support Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat for the position of prime minister. The rally is scheduled on the same day the Senate will convene an extraordinary session at 9am to discuss a proposal by the National Prevention and Suppression of Corruption and the State Audit Commission.

The pro-democracy group emphasised the importance of elections as a means to reflect the will of the people, stating…

“When the people have voiced their need to see change, things should go in that direction under the democratic principle.”

The UFTD criticised the 2017 constitution for granting the 250 senators the authority to vote for the prime minister despite not being directly accountable to the public. The group is calling on the senators to respect the public’s wishes, as demonstrated by the MFP’s electoral victory, reported Bangkok Post.

The UFTD expressed concerns that some Senate members might vote against the people’s will and attempt to block change by any means necessary. Political activist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk confirmed that members of his group would also participate in the rally.

Meanwhile, a demonstration took place in Ayutthaya yesterday, led by royalist activist Kanlayanee “Pha Ayutthaya” Juprang.

The protesters marched from Jao Phrom Market in Muang Ayutthaya district along Naresuan Road, displaying placards in support of the lese-majeste law, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code. The protest, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, was halted due to a confrontation with political opponents.

The MFP made a recent change to its proposed coalition. The party decided to drop the New and Chartpattanakla parties from its proposed coalition line-up, following a backlash from its supporters. MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon announced yesterday that the party will now focus on lobbying for Senate support for its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, to become premier. Read more about the story here.