The Move Forward-led government coalition signed a 23-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday, laying the foundation for how they will work together after the government is formed and encompassing political, economic, and social issues.

The main issues present in the MOU are the drafting of a new constitution, a marriage equality bill, land, civil service, police and military reform, an end to conscription, decentralization, and reclassification of marijuana as a controlled substance.

While the document does mention the monarch’s inviolable status, the sensitive issue of Article 112 amendment is purposefully left out to avoid misunderstanding by the public and the Senate, for fear that its inclusion would reduce the votes to elect Pita Limjaroenrat as the prime minister. Also, each party in the coalition holds different views on the amendment of Article 112.

However, Pita stated that the MFP will push for the amendment of Article 112 and aims to discuss it in the House.

Pita reaffirmed that each party in the coalition has the right to push their own agendas and policies through ministers and members of parliament after the government is formed, as long as those policies do not contradict the principles as set forth in the MOU.

Meanwhile, even though enactment of a marriage equality act is present in the document, there is a reservation protecting the rights of people of different religions. Prachachart Party leader Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said the reservation is to reassure the public that no religious leaders will be forced to perform a marriage ceremony against their will.

The Move Forward government coalition includes the Move Forward Party, Pheu Thai Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Prachachart Party, Seree Ruam Thai Party, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party, FAIR Party, and Plung Sungkom Mai Party.