The next PM nomination will still face challenges if Section 112 is a factor, making it difficult to gain support, Srettha Thavisin has said, stating that Pheu Thai remains uncertain whether it will propose a PM candidate.

On 20 July 2023, one of the Pheu Thai Party’s PM candidates, Srettha Thavisin, gave an interview to the press regarding forming a government and the PM nomination process.

Srettha said that a party proposing a candidate for the PM position in the next vote must avoid amendment of Section 112 (the royal defamation law) to ensure enough support from senators and other parties.

Regarding the Move Forward Party (MFP), Srettha stated that he cannot speak on their behalf, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue.

He further stated that the votes from the 250 senators are crucial in the vote for prime minister. Srettha added that he does not personally know any senators, but he believed that it is a matter of principle not a personal matter. If a consensus is reached, support from the senators can be obtained.

Srettha also mentioned the possibility of forming a coalition with other parties with opposing political views, saying that the decision lies with his Party’s executive committee and the negotiation team.

"I think it is better to stay calm,” he advised.

He emphasized the importance of respecting those who have been assigned to negotiate and respecting the coalition parties who have worked together. There are still several days until the next PM nomination on 27 July 2023.

Srettha said if the MFP nomination of Pita Limcharoenrat as PM faces a dead end, the coalition must consider whether the second-ranked party will be assigned to present a candidate for the PM position or not. Regardless of the outcome, the coalition shares the same ideology. He emphasized that drafting a new constitution is more important.