FORMER election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said in a Facebook post today (Aug. 12) that Move Forward Party should consider naming Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan as prime minister with this leading to him competing against Pheu Thai’s candidate Srettha Thavisin for the helm of the government, Naewna newspaper said.
He added that should this race really occur at the next House/Senate meeting to vote for a prime minister tentatively scheduled for Thursday August 17 it would interesting to see which of the two candidates gets the votes of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, which is de facto led by caretaker prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and the 249 senators all of whom had been handpicked by both Prayut and Prawit.
“Just thinking about it playfully is already fun,” he said.
Just two days ago Palang Pracharath MP Pai Lik had confirmed that all 40 MPs in his camp including the leader Prawit will almost certainly vote for Pheu Thai candidate Srettha regardless of whether the military-installed party will be brought into the coalition government or not.
Pheu Thai itself had desperately called on Move Forward to vote for Srettha for prime minister amidst the likelihood of inadequate support from senators, partisan sources said last Wednesday.
CAPTION:
Top: Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan, left, and Move Forward candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin, right.
Insert: Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. Both photos: Matichon
Also read: Prayut’s party concerned over Settha’s stance on amending Section 112
All 40 Palang Pracharath MPs including Prawit to vote Srettha for PM
Property developer warns political deadlock affecting market
Pheu Thai calls on Move Forward to back Srettha for PM
Six splinter parties join Pheu Thai adding up to 236 MPs so far
Palang Pracharath to be asked to join Pheu Thai-led coalition: Prawit
Thaksin only anticipates days, not months or years, in jail upon return
‘Drive Out the Mouse, Smite the Cobras’ campaign slogan merely tongue in cheek: Chonlanan
Protesters block Pheu Thai headquarters, leaders stuck inside
Newin’s camp jumps aboard coalition headed by Thaksin’s camp
