8 Thai parties sign coalition agreement

Bangkok [Thailand], May 24: The Bangkok Post yesterday reported that on the afternoon of May 22, an eight-party coalition led by the Progressive Party (MFP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining the work program of a proposed coalition government in Thailand. Thailand.
The MoU scored 23 points, with notable points such as re-declaring cannabis as an addictive drug, allowing same-sex marriage, promoting decentralization of power and budgets, and deregulation and supporting competition. fair trade. The MoU also called for an end to military service and reform of the armed forces and the justice system, but made no mention of amending the royal defamation law.
When announcing the signing of the MoU, MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat stressed it was a historic day as it marked a peaceful transition in Thai politics . He added that each side agreed that the core policies that coalition members agreed to support should not affect the democratic system with the king as head of state and revered status. King cannot be violated.
Mr. Pita said that under the MoU, coalition partners can push their own agendas, as long as they do not conflict with the MoU. He also denied reports that the Pheu Thai party was in talks with the PalangPracharath party to form a rival coalition, insisting that the eight-party coalition was still very strong.
The MFP and Pheu Thai dominated the May 14 election and are working to form a coalition government with the remaining six parties that have signed the MoU. Mr. Pita is seeking to become prime minister but faces the challenge of winning overwhelming support from
500 deputies and 250 senators, corresponding to a minimum of 376 votes. The MFP-led eight-party coalition won 313 lower house seats in the last election. Therefore, Mr. Pita will have to convince another party to join the coalition or add at least 63 senators to support him.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper