Bangkok: Stay tuned for another meeting this afternoon before the Prime Minister’s vote. It’s another day of intense focus for all parties on the People’s Party, after yesterday’s debate on who to support as the 32nd Prime Minister. However, the vote was split, leading to another meeting scheduled for this afternoon.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at the People’s Party today was still rather tense, as the meeting was scheduled for 1:00 PM. Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, a party-list MP and leader of the People’s Party, arrived at the party’s headquarters in the Future Forward building at 9:25 AM. He declined to answer questions from the press when asked if a conclusion would be reached, instead offering a smile. Meanwhile, some party leaders, including Picharn Chaowapatanawong, a member of the People’s Party’s executive committee, Sarayut Jai-lak, the Party’s secretary-general, and Sia Champathong, a member of the People’s Party, also arrived to prepare for discussions and determine the voting guidelines for the new prime ministerial candidate. This marks the second consecutive day of meetings, following a special meeting of MPs yesterday that failed to yield a conclusion.
Yesterday, the party sent a broadcast message to its members via Line OA and SMS. The questionnaire asked them to complete a vote for the prime minister via the party’s member feedback system, with questions such as: 1. “Do you agree that the People’s Party should use its approximately 143 votes in the House of Representatives to direct the political direction towards dissolving parliament and holding a referendum to pave the way for a new constitution?” The answer choices were: “Yes, we should use our votes in parliament,” and “No, we should remain silent.” 2. “If a vote is necessary, which party should the People’s Party support for prime ministerial candidate?” The options were the Pheu Thai Party or the Bhumjaithai Party, with a field for additional comments.
It’s been reported that over ten thousand people have already responded to the survey, but the party has refused to disclose the results. All of this information will be used to inform the party’s political decisions. At today’s party meeting, discussions will continue, with the results being discussed and shared for further deliberation. Ultimately, a decision will be made by the party’s executive committee.