People's Party Reaffirms Opposition Stance, Rules Out Joining Government

Thailand - Ekhbary News Agency

People's Party Solidifies Opposition Role, Declines Government Participation

In a decisive move that clarifies the political landscape, the People's Party of Thailand has reiterated its position as the designated leader of the opposition, unequivocally ruling out any prospect of joining the incoming government. This official confirmation comes from party spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu, who emphasized that the party respects the electoral results and the mandate given to the leading party. Wacharasindhu's statements were a direct response to burgeoning speculation regarding the People's Party's potential role should the election-winning Bhumjaithai Party face insurmountable challenges in forming a governing coalition.

The spokesman highlighted that the Bhumjaithai Party has indeed secured a leading position in government formation, evidenced by its announced alliance with the Pheu Thai Party and several smaller political entities. This coalition has successfully amassed a bloc of over 250 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the 500-seat House of Representatives, providing a stable majority. "In principle, we have consistently insisted that the party with the most seats has the legitimate mandate to lead the formation of a government," Wacharasindhu stated. He further elaborated, "As the election outcome showed that the People's Party was not in the top position, we respect the right of the leading party to form a government. We will serve as the opposition and will not join the government." This declaration effectively quells any lingering doubts about the party's strategic direction in the post-election period.

Furthermore, Mr. Wacharasindhu addressed and categorically debunked reports suggesting that Thamanat Prompow, the de facto leader of the Klatham Party, had engaged in discussions with the People's Party. These unsubstantiated reports had implied a potential maneuver by the Pheu Thai Party to unseat the Klatham Party from the crucial Ministry of Agriculture portfolio. "There have been no discussions," Mr. Parit asserted. "It is up to coalition partners to negotiate among themselves." He underscored that negotiations concerning cabinet portfolios are strictly an internal affair for the coalition members, emphasizing that the public's primary concern at this juncture is gaining clarity on the overarching agenda that the coalition parties intend to pursue collectively. The focus, he suggested, should be on policy and governance rather than internal party dealings.

With multiple parties coalescing to form the new administration, the electorate anticipates a clear articulation of how diverse campaign platforms will be harmonized, particularly as each constituent party aims to fulfill its electoral promises. As of the preceding Friday, a definitive outline of the new government's immediate priorities remained elusive, according to Mr. Wacharasindhu. It is noteworthy that Mr. Parit, aged 33, is the nephew of the Democrat Party leader and former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. His name has also surfaced in discussions as a potential contender to assume leadership of the People's Party, should current senior figures be compelled to step down pending a judicial ruling concerning their stance on amending the controversial lese-majeste law.

Earlier on Friday, the Pheu Thai Party formally announced its support for Bhumjaithai to lead the government formation process. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul expressed optimism, stating that both parties are prepared to set aside past differences and collaborate for the nation's progress. This agreement, solidified just a day after three micro-parties with a combined five seats joined the bloc, brings the Bhumjaithai-led coalition's seat count to 272 in the 500-seat House of Representatives. Preliminary, unofficial results from the February 8 general election indicated that Bhumjaithai secured 193 seats, followed by the People's Party with 118 seats. The Pheu Thai Party ranked third with 74 seats, trailed by Klatham with 58 and the Democrats with 22. The People's Party's firm commitment to its opposition role signifies a crucial element in Thailand's evolving democratic framework, promising robust parliamentary oversight.

Ekhbary News Agency