Thailand is awaiting the formal appointment of Pita Limjaroenrat as the new prime minister after his Kadima Party won a sweeping victory in Thailand’s elections in May.
Sirachai Arunrugstichai | Sirachai Arunrugstichai | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Thailand’s main prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, said on Tuesday he had enough support in the upper house to become the country’s next prime minister, just days before the first meeting of the new parliament.
Progressive Party leader Pita scored a stunning victory in May polls as Thais rejected nearly nine years of military-backed government, but his path to prime minister still faces uncertainty.
His eight-party coalition has 312 seats in parliament. Under the constitution, to become prime minister, Peeta needs at least 376 votes in the joint session of the bicameral legislature, including 250 members of the upper house, most of whom were elected when the military took power in 2014.
Asked on Tuesday how much Senate support he had, Peeta said: “Enough to make me prime minister.”
Questions have lingered over whether Peeta has enough support as his party puts forward controversial proposals to amend Thailand’s strict royal insult laws, or lese majeste laws. Move Forward said the law, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison if found violating the monarchy, is being used as a political tool against opponents of the current government.
The stance has angered the country’s royalist establishment and old-money elites, including the conservative-leaning Senate.
Peeta said the party was explaining its position to senators ahead of the parliamentary vote in July.
“Changing laws according to social context will not prevent government formation,” he said.
After meeting on July 3, parliament is expected to vote for a prime minister on July 13.