Anutin Says Coalition Talks Not Yet Finalised Ahead of Thai Parliament Session

By Wilawan Watcharasakwet & Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, March 5 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday that negotiations to form a coalition government have yet to be finalised ahead of the convening of the new parliament following last month’s general election.

Anutin, who leads the Bhumjaithai Party that secured the largest number of seats in the February poll, declined to elaborate on the ongoing coalition discussions.

“When the appropriate time comes, there will be clarity in accordance with the circumstances,” he told reporters after receiving his certificate as a Member of the House of Representatives from the Election Commission of Thailand on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Election Commission officially endorsed 499 parliamentary seats from the February general election, paving the way for the new House of Representatives to convene.

The certified results show the Bhumjaithai Party secured 192 seats in the poll, followed by the People’s Party with 120 seats, the Pheu Thai Party (74) and Kla Tham (58).

Under Thai law, a new parliament must convene within 15 days after the certification of at least 475 seats, or 95 per cent of the total.

The House will first elect a speaker and deputy speakers, after which members will vote to elect a prime minister who will move to form the new government.

Meanwhile, Anutin said the date for convening the new parliament will depend on the issuance of a royal command.

He added that he could not specify when Parliament would convene or when the House Speaker would be elected, as the process is subject to royal approval.

Meanwhile, Anutin said the Bhumjaithai Party will hold a seminar for its Members of Parliament on March 8 in Buriram province, which will include an orientation session for the MPs to get acquainted with one another.

“Some of them still do not know each other. I have only just met some of them for the first time, so we need to become familiar first,” he said.

-- BERNAMA