The Move Forward Party has made a political retreat by agreeing to support a candidate from the Pheu Thai Party for prime minister, when parliament meets in a joint sitting again next Thursday, its secretary general Chaithawat Tulathon said this morning (Friday).

He said Pheu Thai has yet to decide formally who it will nominate for Thailand’s top executive post.  Srettha Thavisin, a well-known real estate tycoon, is now seen as Pheu Thai’s most likely choice.

Speaking at a press conference, Chaithawat said Move Forward still stands by the MOU signed with seven other parties in forming the post-election coalition.

When asked whether Move Forward will soften its stand on the issue of the lèse majesté law, Chaithawat said his party will honour all the election pledges it has made. Move Forward made amending the law, which penalises people found guilty of offending the monarchy, one of its major policies.

Move Forward’s latest concession comes after its leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s nomination as prime minister was shot down by parliament.