Prayut worried about MFP rallies against the Senate

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned about rallies organised by Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters protesting against the Senate, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says.

Gen Prayut expressed concern about the rallies out of fear they could drag the country back into conflict between different political groups, Mr Thanakorn said yesterday.

Mr Thanakorn, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, said he would like the MFP to remind its supporters to abide by the law.

Supporters of the election-winning MFP are unhappy with most junta-appointed senators who did not vote for the party’s prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat.

Mr Thanakorn reiterated the UTN would not vote for any prime ministerial candidate from any party as long as the MFP is a coalition partner, mainly because of the MFP’s stance on amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law.

When asked whether Pheu Thai had approached the UTN to form a government, Mr Thanakorn said he was unaware as the party leader and secretary-general handle such matters.

The UTN deputy leader expressed confidence his party and Pheu Thai could work together because now is the time for all sides to join hands to help the country move forward.

“I don’t see any problem for the two parties to work together as long as we adhere mainly to the country’s interests,” he said.

Mr Thanakorn said a new prime minister would be selected soon after further negotiations.