The memorandum of understanding - which came after the surprise victory of the Forward Party in the May 14 general election - aims to lay the foundation for forming Thailand's next government and determine the direction of common work among the eight parties.
The Tien Len Party and seven political allies signed a memorandum of understanding on May 22, 2023. Photo: CNA
“This is a set of agendas that we have agreed on and are ready to put forward through the mechanisms of the government and parliament ,” said Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Forward Party and prime ministerial candidate.
Among the key tasks in the memorandum are drafting a new constitution, legalizing same-sex marriage, returning cannabis to the list of banned drugs and replacing compulsory military service with voluntary recruitment.
“All parties have agreed that any mandate given by the new government must not affect the state’s status as a constitutional monarchy or the King’s inviolable status,” Mr Pita said.
The coalition currently includes the Forward Party, Pheu Thai, Prachachat, Thai Freedom Party, Thai Sang Thai, Fair, Plung Sungkom Mai and Pue Thai Rumphlang.
Monday’s signing was reminiscent of the coup led by current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha nine years ago. On May 22, 2014, Prayut – then head of the army – seized power from the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra.
Prayut's government ruled Thailand for nearly five years before a general election was held in 2019 under a new constitution.
At that time, the Pheu Thai Party won a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, but the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party formed a government by combining with its political allies, helping General Prayut continue to become Prime Minister of Thailand.
Prayut entered this year’s election hoping to stay in power after more than eight years in office. However, his new party, the United Thai National Party, lost and came in fifth, making it very difficult for him to be re-elected based on the recent election results.
Huy Hoang (according to CNA)
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