The latest number of MPs agreeing to vote for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate is 278, not 315 as widely reported, according to Deputy Pheu Thai leader Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday (Saturday).
Pheu Thai has 141 MPs, while Bhumjaithai has 71, Chartthaipattana 10, Prachachat 9, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang 2, Chartpattanakla 2, with Seri Ruam Thai, Plung Sungkom Mai and Thongthee Thai all having one MP.
“That would be 238 votes, plus 40 more from Palang Pracharath, which has announced that its MPs will vote in support of Pheu Thai’s candidate. It is not yet clear, however, whether the United Thai Nation party will vote for us, as its leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has said that the matter must be discussed within the party first,” he said.
Meanwhile, Phumtham said the position of the New Democracy party, which won one House seat, is also unclear.
The 278 votes in the Lower House is the beginning of stability, he said, adding that he would be pleased if other political parties give Pheu Thai a chance by voting their candidate, he said.
“To vote for our candidate will be a starting point for further discussion over joining the government. I can confirm that, if a party fails to do so, it would not be part of our equation,” he said.
Pheu Thai has not yet started discussions over on the distribution of cabinet portfolios with any party, Phumtham said, adding that the prime mister should be selected first.
