The speaker of Thailand’s House of Representatives deferred a decision on whether pro-democracy leader Pita Limjaroenrat can seek a second chance at becoming prime minister until after the parliament debates the matter Wednesday.
(Bloomberg) — The speaker of Thailand’s House of Representatives deferred a decision on whether pro-democracy leader Pita Limjaroenrat can seek a second chance at becoming prime minister until after the parliament debates the matter Wednesday.
Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha told reporters Tuesday that he can “only give a final say after he has heard from all sides.” He was speaking after a meeting with party whips and the Senate leader.
Some senators on Monday cited parliamentary regulations to say Pita can’t seek a second vote to be prime minister, after the first attempt last week was thwarted by the military-appointed Senate and conservative parties.
Lawmakers are due to convene at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday to vote again to elect the next leader, Wan Noor said.
Pita, whose Move Forward Party is seeking to annul the Senate’s power to vote, has said he will step down should he fail to get enough support from lawmakers and also if his party is unable get the bill to curb senators’ powers passed. Also Wednesday, the Constitutional Court is expected to decide whether to accept a case seeking Pita’s disqualification as lawmaker after the poll panel found him in breach of election rules.
Meanwhile, his coalition partner Pheu Thai said Srettha Thavisin will be its main pick for premiership if Pita opts out of the race.
Although Pita had said Monday that he aims to improve his support base from the 324 votes he received last week, it looks unlikely the pro-democracy leader will be able to muster the 375 seats required to win the vote. The winning threshold was originally 376 before a senator resigned last week.
The conservatives’ main opposition to Pita’s candidacy stems from his campaign pledge to reform the so-called lese majeste law that punishes anyone found defaming, insulting or threatening the king or other royals.
–With assistance from Suttinee Yuvejwattana.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
©2023 Bloomberg L.P.