PUBLISHED : 30 Aug 2024 at 12:24
The new coalition has secured 322 supporters in the 500-seat Parliament after the former opposition Democrat Party joined forces with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, receiving two key cabinet portfolios in exchange for their controversial decision.
Prommin Lertsuridej, the Prime Minister’s secretary-general, announced on Friday that the coalition’s support had comfortably increased to 322 votes, with the Democrats’ participation. There are currently 493 sitting MPs, with seven seats vacant.
MPs supporting the coalition government include:
- Pheu Thai: 141
- Bhumjaithai: 70
- United Thai Nation: 36
- Democrat: 25
- Chartthaipattana: 10
- Prachachart: 9
- Chart Pattana: 3
- Faction of Thamanat Prompow (from Palang Pracharath): 21
The Democrat Party’s backing has strengthened the government, despite strong opposition from veteran politicians and party loyalists, including former leaders Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan and Jurin Laksanawisit, who oppose any political alliance with Pheu Thai.
Key Democrat executives stated on Thursday night that the party would nominate their leader Chalermchai Sri-on as the natural resources and environment minister and secretary-general Dej-id Kaothong as the deputy minister of public health.
The Democrat Party has officially informed Pheu Thai of the decision.
Dr Prommin said that Pheu Thai was continuing to verify the qualifications and backgrounds of the proposed cabinet ministers before submitting the approved list for royal endorsement.
On Aug 14, the Constitutional Court found then prime minister Srettha Thavisin guilty of a gross violation of ethics for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. The ruling resulted in Mr Srettha being dismissed after less than a year in office.
MPs chose Ms Paetongtarn to replace him two days later.