Bangkok: Angkana Neelapaijit has issued a caution to Thaksin Shinawatra, urging him not to let the House of Representatives choose a new prime minister if Paethongtarn Shinawatra steps down from office. She emphasized that the Pheu Thai Party still has Chaikasem Nitisiri as a potential candidate, and that if the coalition parties lack a candidate, outsiders could potentially step in.

According to Thai News Agency, Senator Angkana addressed the scenario where the Constitutional Court might rule against Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s continuation as prime minister. She highlighted that Chaikasem Nitisiri remains the Pheu Thai Party’s sole candidate for the prime ministerial position. Should Paethongtarn be removed, Angkana suggested that the Pheu Thai Party should nominate Chaikasem, unless Thaksin Shinawatra pushes a no-confidence motion. Should the coalition government fail to present a candidate, the issue would need to be addressed by Parliament. The Senate lacks authority in prime ministerial selection, leaving the decision solely to the House of Representatives.

Angkana remarked, “The Pheu Thai Party has one more candidate left, and we hope that if such an accident really happens, the Pheu Thai Party can still nominate Mr. Chaikasem. Many people have discussed dissolving Parliament, but the Secretary-General of the Council of State has expressed the opinion that the caretaker prime minister cannot dissolve Parliament. Since Parliament cannot be dissolved and Ms. Paethongtarn cannot continue, the remaining prime ministerial candidates should be allowed to take over.”

In response to queries regarding the potential of an outsider prime minister, Angkana confirmed its legal feasibility if the coalition lacks a candidate. In the absence of a candidate, an outsider could be considered, but the decision would revert to Parliament for final selection, adhering to constitutional guidelines. However, she asserted that Thaksin would likely prevent this outcome, believing he would leverage his existing authority to ensure Parliament does not make the prime ministerial appointment.