The Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties announced today (Monday) that they are joining hands to become the core in forming a new government.

Together the parties have 212 House seats and are inviting more parties to join their coalition.

Claiming they already have achieved a majority, they declined to reveal which parties they have in hand.

At the press conference, Pheu Thai was represented by its leader Cholnan Srikaew, his deputy Phumtham Wechayachai and party secretary general Prasert Chanthararuangthong, while Bhumjaithai fielded leader Anutin Charnvirakul and party secretary general Saksayam Chidchob.

Cholnan said more parties are expected to join their coalition. Both parties need support from MPs and senators in forming a government, so that it could administer the country and solve people’s problems, Cholnan said.

Asked whether the cooperation between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai did not represent most voters’ desire, compared to Move Forward winning the most seats, Phumtham said Bhumjaithai won the third most seats (71), which means there are a large number of people who support the party.

Earlier attempts to form a government, which had Move Forward at the core, failed because it did not have support from senators and other political parties, which voiced disagreement with Move Forward’s policy to amend the lèse majesté laws, claimed Cholnan.

With Bhumjaithai at the core, the problems concerning the senators and other parties are expected to be lessened and the forming of a government could be achieved, Cholnan said.

Cholnan also said that Palang Pracharath, Prawit Wongsuwan’s party, and United Thai Nation, which had Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha a core member, will not be in their coalition government.

Cholnan concluded the press conference by advising the media leaving the event to take care and be safe. He may have been referring to the last press conference at Pheu Thai headquarters, which saw noisy protesters raid the event and spray people with flour and coloured aerosols.