The House Speaker post issue will be thrashed out only by the Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pheu Thai Party, according to MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat.
“Regarding the House Speaker, the Pheu Thai Party and Move Forward Party will engage in discussions, with the shared understanding that it will not impede the formation of the government,” Mr Pita said on Tuesday.
Mr Pita made his remarks after meeting the seven coalition partners about the ministry quotas at the Prachachart Party meeting room. The House Speaker issue was also reportedly meant to be discussed but was not.
Mr Pita said the coalition partners agree the important thing is to be well-prepared to govern the country and serve the people’s best interests.
The Election Commission (EC) has officially announced the election results, with only the official certification of members of parliament remaining for the convening of parliament.
The people hope the EC will promptly certify the members of parliament so that a new government can be formed to administer and deliver the maximum benefits to the people as soon as possible, Mr Pita said.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew told reporters that the House Speaker role issue wasn’t discussed at the coalition partners meeting as he viewed it as a specific discussion between the MFP and Pheu Thai.
Regarding ministry quotas, Dr Cholnan said the MFP secretary-general so far had only sent a framework of the new government, as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Afterwards, the parties will discuss placing suitable individuals to oversee each ministry, he said.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party — part of the MFP-led coalition bloc — said the House Speaker role should go to an experienced politician regardless of age.
He said Dr Cholnan is suitable to serve as the speaker due to his capabilities and experiences in politics.
Meanwhile, Phawadee Tantisirin, adviser to the Northeast Red Shirt coordinating network, met with key red-shirt members in Khon Kaen and adjacent provinces to discuss issues relating to the coalition.
She said the members agreed that Dr Cholnan is more suitable as House Speaker due to his maturity and political experience.