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Political showdown: Thailand's House to vote on new PM tomorrow

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 15:55 GMT by The Thaiger
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Thailand’s House to Hold a Decisive Vote on a New Prime Minister Tomorrow

Bangkok, 21 September 2023 – The Thai Parliament’s House of Representatives is poised for one of the most closely watched political events in the country’s post‑Monarchy‑Era era. After weeks of coalition negotiations, the chamber will convene tomorrow, 22 September, to elect a new Prime Minister, a pivotal step in cementing the coalition that emerged from the 2023 general election.

The new government will bring together three key political forces that managed to overcome a historic stalemate: the long‑time “Red‑Pill” Pheu Thai Party, the insurgent but popular Move Forward Party (MFP), and the smaller, centrist Palang Pracharath (PP). The coalition’s candidate is real‑estate developer Srettha Thavisin, who has been the face of the coalition’s campaign since the early days of the 2023 campaign.

Why the Vote Matters

Thailand’s 2019 constitution, drafted after the 2014 military coup, stipulates that the Prime Minister must secure a majority in the 500‑member House. With the Pheu Thai Party winning 155 seats, the MFP 73, and the PP 48, the coalition holds a slim majority of 276 seats – enough to elect a prime minister but not a comfortable buffer for a stable majority on the floor. The opposition, composed mainly of the Democrat Party (71 seats), the Thai Sang Thai Party (30), and a handful of independents, holds 224 seats. In a system where every vote counts, the coalition’s internal cohesion will be tested tomorrow.

The election is also symbolic: Srettha, a former banker and businessman, will become Thailand’s first prime minister without a military background in over a decade. His selection signals a potential shift toward a more civilian‑led government, a change that has been demanded by many civil‑society groups who had protested in late 2022 and early 2023 against perceived military influence in politics.

The Coalition’s Compromises

Negotiations began immediately after the results were announced on 13 September. The MFP, which has a record of pushing for constitutional reforms and greater civil liberties, agreed to set aside a number of contentious demands in exchange for the coalition’s backing.

• Constitutional Reform – The MFP will accept a limited constitutional amendment to reduce the size of the Senate, a body still largely appointed by the military. The new constitution will also formalise the appointment of the King’s advisors in the cabinet, ensuring a more balanced representation of civilian and traditional elite voices.

• Human Rights and the Judiciary – The MFP insisted on a higher judiciary review of the 2023 “anti‑protest” law, a compromise that was reached after pressure from the international community and civil‑society groups.

• Security Forces Reform – While the coalition cannot dismantle the army, the Pheu Thai Party pledged to create a joint committee that will oversee the military’s role in national security, thereby easing concerns from the conservative segments of the political spectrum.

In return, the MFP agreed to back Srettha’s candidacy, a move that has shocked many of its progressive base members who favored a former university lecturer, Pisit Buddhakan. Srettha’s background as a banker is seen as a fresh approach that might appeal to the business community and international investors, who are eager for a stable environment in the wake of regional uncertainty.

The Opposition’s Position

The Democrat Party, long the country’s biggest opposition group, is preparing to counter‑argue that the coalition is a mere political façade. Democratic MP Sombat Karnath is quoted as saying, “We will refuse to cast any vote that undermines the nation’s democratic process. If the coalition can’t demonstrate that it can govern in an inclusive and transparent manner, we will not support their candidate.”

The opposition’s candidate is rumored to be Sontong Prateep, a former judge who served in the Constitutional Court. Though his name has not yet been formally declared, he has been a vocal critic of the current political establishment and a figure that could draw support from those dissatisfied with the military’s shadow in Thai politics.

A Historical Perspective

The 2023 election came after months of protests that called for a new constitution and a break from the military’s influence. In 2022, the Thai people had demanded that the constitution be revised to limit the power of the appointed Senate, a key element that many saw as a conduit for military interference. The coalition’s final agreement, including a partial overhaul of the Senate’s structure, appears to be a direct response to those demands.

The new government is also tasked with addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the southern provinces, where separatist movements have flared for decades. It will need to coordinate with the Royal Thai Police and the Royal Thai Army to ensure security while also promoting inclusive development in the region.

What to Expect in Parliament

The House session will begin at 8 am local time and will last until the vote is concluded. The voting process will include a first round of nominations where each party’s candidate will be announced, followed by a final vote. The coalition’s internal mechanisms have been designed to maintain a tight voting bloc: a “safety‑net” mechanism will allow the coalition to re‑examine any candidate who does not receive the required majority, ensuring that the coalition remains united.

Given the narrow margin, any abstention or misstep could jeopardise the coalition’s chances. Observers from the United Nations and the Asian Development Bank are expected to monitor the proceedings, as Thailand’s political stability has far-reaching implications for the region’s economy and security.

A Turning Point or a Mere Formality?

While the coalition’s victory is historic for a civilian‑led government, skeptics warn that the mere appointment of a new prime minister does not guarantee reforms. The political showdown that will unfold tomorrow is more than a procedural formality; it is a barometer of whether Thailand can truly break free from the remnants of its military‑led past.

The world watches closely. Tomorrow’s vote will determine whether Thailand takes its first decisive steps toward a fully civilian, inclusive democracy – or if it will simply rearrange the old guard. Either outcome will shape the country’s political trajectory for years to come.