Thai lawmakers to vote on moving up PM vote in parliament

Thai lawmakers to vote on moving up PM vote in parliament

Thai lawmakers are set to gather on Friday to select a new prime minister, amidst a political crisis that has seen the resignation of several leaders. The vote comes after the Constitutional Court dismissed Pheu Thai's Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister for breaching ethics laws [1].

The dismissal of Paetongtarn has left Thailand in a state of political flux, with various parties vying for control. Only five candidates, nominated during the 2023 general election, are eligible under Thailand's constitutional rules. Among these, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, is seen as the most likely candidate to secure the position [1].

The Bhumjaithai Party has secured 146 votes from its own party and allies, with the People's Party promising to support Anutin, giving him a total of 146 + 143 = 290 votes. This exceeds the 247 majority required out of the 492 House members currently serving [1].

The Pheu Thai Party, currently leading a caretaker government, has attempted to dissolve Parliament but was rejected by the king's Privy Council. In response, the party has nominated its remaining candidate, former Attorney General and Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, to compete in Friday’s vote. Chaikasem has promised to dissolve the house as soon as he delivers his inaugural speech to Parliament [1].

The People's Party, which won the most seats in the 2023 election but was blocked from taking power, has agreed to support Anutin's candidacy in exchange for a promise to dissolve Parliament within four months. The party also seeks a referendum on drafting a new constitution by an elected constituent assembly [1].

The political landscape in Thailand remains volatile, with shifting alliances and power dynamics. The People's Party, previously known as the Move Forward Party, has a history of seeking constitutional reforms, while the Bhumjaithai Party is known for its role in decriminalizing cannabis and its involvement in health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic [1].

If neither Chaikasem nor Anutin prevails, political deadlock could ensue, potentially leading to further negotiations and power shifts. The three other eligible candidates include acting Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former deputy prime minister Jurin Laksanawisit, and retired general Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government [2].

The upcoming vote is a critical moment in Thailand's political history, with potential implications for the country's economic stability and international relations. Investors and financial professionals are closely watching the situation, as political instability can impact market confidence and economic growth [2].

References:
[1] https://apnews.com/article/thailand-parliament-prime-minister-vote-23b2afb9bf815d918e11a47a33973ce3
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-pm-dismissed-what-happens-next-2025-09-05/
[3] https://www.wral.com/story/thai-lawmakers-to-vote-for-a-new-prime-minister-as-candidates-promise-an-early-election/22145742/