The Pheu Thai party is still seeking to form the next government but is prepared to dissolve parliament, a senior party official said on Tuesday, a move that could trigger a general election.
In a sign of deepening political turmoil as two rival camps vie to form the next government, Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong said the party was weighing its options between nominating Chaikasem Nitisiri for the premiership, or calling a new election.
Mr Sorawong’s remarks came as the opposition People’s Party, the largest in parliament, met for a second day to discuss whether to back Pheu Thai or the Bhumjaithai Party to form the next government.
It failed to reach a conclusion and said its executive body would meet again on Wednesday to make a final decision. At the same time, it dared Pheu Thai to dissolve the House. While the government’s legal advisers say that is beyond the powers of a caretaker administration, other legal scholars disagree.
In any case, dissolution remains an option for Pheu Thai if the People’s Party decides to support Bhumjaithai and its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, for prime minister.
”If the People’s Party make the decision to vote for Anutin, we will proceed with the process,” Mr Sorawong told reporters.
“If there is a vote set for prime minister selection, we will propose Chaikasem.”
The Constitutional Court’s dismissal last week of Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the premiership has touched off the scramble for power between the populist ruling party and Bhumjaithai.
Mr Chaikasem, 77, a former attorney-general and justice minister with limited cabinet experience, has kept a low profile in politics. He is the sole remaining eligible prime ministerial candidate for Pheu Thai, a once dominant party that has been haemorrhaging support of late.
Amid frenzied speculation that Pheu Thai had already sought house dissolution, Mr Sorawong in a Facebook post later on Tuesday stressed that the party had not submitted any request, but it remained an option. (Story continues below)
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, still the leader of the Pheu Thai Party even though she no longer holds the prime ministership, addresses the party’s meeting on Tuesday as chief government whip Visuth Chainaroon looks on. (Photo: Pheu Thai Party)
Phumtham cautious
Caretaker prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai also said the government has not yet prepared to dissolve the House.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening, he clarified that while dissolution may be the next step, it remains contingent on political developments. “I’ve said before: It’s the next step, but we need clarity first,” he said.
When asked whether he personally was preparing for dissolution, Mr Phumtham responded, “No, I haven’t prepared anything. We’re still in the negotiation phase.”
He laughed off speculation that a formal alliance between the People’s Party and Bhumjaithai would trigger immediate dissolution. “Let them announce their partnership first — then we’ll talk,” he said.
Pressed further on whether a confirmed alliance would prompt immediate action, Mr Phumtham replied, “No, I haven’t thought that far ahead. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”
He insisted that Pheu Thai viewed returning power to the people as the most constructive path forward, but stressed that the move must be handled with utmost caution.
