Thread by @ThaiEnquirer

The President of the Senate, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, stated that he will abstain from voting for the prime minister, as he has done in previous Senate votes.

#Thailand #สว #เลือกตั้ง #เลือกตั้ง66 #เลือกตั้ง2566

Pornpetch also mentioned that he will not caution senators against expressing their voting preferences, but emphasized that they will be accountable for their own statements.

Some senators have commented that the Move Forward and Pheu Thai coalition should not count on senators' votes for their prime ministerial candidate.

However, others have expressed opposing views.

Senator Ampol Jindawattana, one of the senators who supported the removal of the Senate's power to vote for PM, posted that the election result has clearly shown the people's intentions.

He said it is now crucial to allow the democratic process to advance without interference.

Senator Seri Suwannapanont said the MFP's pledge to amend the lese-majeste law was among the reasons why certain senators might not vote for their PM candidate.

However, senators who are considering voting for Pita would also take into account the party's other policies.

Seri also said the public and MFP's supporters should not be concerned about senators obstructing the government formation process, as the senators hold no bias against any party.

However, he urged the MFP to complete their negotiations with potential coalition partners first.

Senator Somchai Sawangkarn mentioned that there is still time for other parties to establish a coalition and propose an alternative candidate.

He emphasized the importance of selecting a new prime minister who will not steer the country toward conflict or civil war.

Furthermore, Somchai highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Pita's media shares case as a matter of concern.

He also said the MFP should clearly state whether their intention is solely to amend the lese-majeste law or eventually abolish it altogether.