The People’s Party has decided to back Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party’s candidate, in a vote for a new Prime Minister to replace former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court.

Following MP meetings on Monday and Tuesday (1 – 2 September) and a survey of party members’ opinions, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said this morning (3 September) that the party’s executive board has decided that the party will back Anutin if there is a vote in parliament for a new Prime Minister.

He noted that Anutin has accepted all conditions set by the People’s Party, which included promising to dissolve parliament within 4 months as well as to organise a referendum regarding constitutional amendments as soon as possible. If the Constitutional Court rules that parliament can amend the Constitution without conducting a referendum first, then the new Cabinet must push for the amendment of Section 256 to form an elected Constitutional Drafting Assembly.

Natthaphong said that the party made its decision because they wanted to open the doors to constitutional amendments and prevent powers outside of parliament from interfering. He noted that a Bhumjaithai government would be a minority government without support from the People’s Party, making it more likely to make Bhumjaithai adhere to its promise and push for constitutional amendments.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Pheu Thai Party is seeking royal assent to dissolve parliament. Pheu Thai Secretary General Sorawong Thientong said it took the step because the People’s Party is backing Anutin  and will not be joining the government coalition, and a minority government which does not have enough votes in parliament to function.