UTN ‘open’ to siding with Pheu Thai

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In: South-East Asia

A new government may be established” quickly.”

PUBLISHED: 06:44 on August 4, 2023.

UTN 'open' to siding with Pheu Thai
At the Pheu Thai offices, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga( center left ), Cholnan Srikaew( heart right ), the leader of the United Thai Nation Party, and other important party members toast together. Somchai Poomlard in the image

According to UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the Move Forward Party ( MFP) was removed from the line-up and the United Thai Nation( UTN ) Party is open to joining Pheu Thai’s coalition.

He made a suggestion that, if fully invited, the UTN might join the alliance.

Leaders of UTN and Pheu Thai gathered two weeks ago to explain the coalition’s terms and conditions.

The MFP’s proposal to better Part 112 of the Criminal Code, or the Lese Majest Law, has been cited by the UTN as evidence that it will not join forces with them.

Pheu Thai announced on Wednesday that it had revoked the memorandum of understanding that the MFP and six other political parties had signed to form a government, opening the door for an entirely new partnership under the leadership of its leader.

The group added that the MFP’s position on amending Section 112 would prevent it from joining the new coalition.

When and if the UTN is requested to join the new government, according to Mr. Pirapan, a number of factors may be taken into account.

Regardless of whether the new coalition is on the card, the UTN wants it to be formed right away.

The pro-democracy camp has criticized the UTN as a political tool for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose earlier departure from the party was seen as beneficial in easing the group into governing under Pheu Thai.

Additionally, Mr. Pirapan reaffirmed that the UTN opposes the creation of a minority government, claiming that an unreliable state could do more damage than good for the nation.

The UTN is currently debating whether to support a Pheu Thai prospect for prime minister.

If the UTN believes the new state and its ideologies are appropriate, it is anticipated that it will help Pheu Thai’s candidate.

Acting Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit stated that he was unaware of any official talks between his group and Pheu Thai regarding the establishment of a new government.

According to him, the Democrat Party has not yet decided whether it wants to be a part of the Pheu Thai-led partnership or no.

He insisted that the party completely adheres to its rules, which mandate that such a significant choice be made officially.