Thailand’s pre-gov't alliance led by Move Forward Party collapses

ISTANBUL

After failure to get its prime minister elected, the pre-government eight-party alliance led by Move Forward Party (MFP) broke down on Wednesday.

The latest development came as the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) announced its intention to lead the way to form a new coalition and seek a parliament vote, according to Bangkok-based Khaosod News.

Srettha Thavisin will be prime ministerial candidate of the PTP.

It, however, said the PTP-led coalition will seek a national referendum on whether people want a new constitution.

MFP had been demanding amendments to the constitution.

The Buddhist-majority nation is a constitutional monarchy and the rise of MFP is seen as a challenge to the royal family, something very revered in Thailand.

MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to get the minimum 375 votes in the elections last month.

He was the sole contender for the post after he was nominated by PTP leader Cholnan Srikaew during a joint sitting of the bicameral parliament.

Meanwhile, the MFP supporters protested outside the Pheu Thai headquarters and burned some effigies after the dissolution of the eight-party coalition, which led to the MFP being pushed into the opposition.