The Pheu Thai party announced today (Wednesday) the union of eight parties to form a new government, which will, hopefully, put an end to the prolonged political divide in Thailand.

In addition to the two core parties, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, the other parties agreeing to join the coalition are Prachachat, Thai Liberal, Chart Pattana Kla, Pheu Thai Rumphalang, Plung Sungkom Mai and Thongthee Thai.

In a statement issued today, Pheu Thai claimed that the coalition now commands more than half of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives, adding that they hope that it will be able to ease political tension and resolve political conflicts.

The party said that it will seek support from senators and other MPs for its prime ministerial candidate, so that a new government can be formed.

Pheu Thai said that, in order to resolve the crises facing the country, cooperation from all stakeholders, including political parties and divergent groups of people, is needed to bring about national reconciliation.

Responding to a reporter’s question, Pheu Thai party leader Cholnan Srikaew said that they will hold a press conference tomorrow about other parties from which they hope to get support.

He said that the party has not yet invited the Democrats, Palang Pracharath or United Thai Nation parties to join the coalition, but hopes that their individual MPs may support the party’s prime ministerial candidate “because voting for the prime minister is the right of individual MPs.”

Regarding the Move Forward party, Cholnan said they have sought support from all parties “but it depends on the party (Move Forward) whether it will support our prime ministerial candidate.”

Chart Pattana Kla party chairman Suwat Liptapallop told the media that his party decided to join the coalition after being assured by Pheu Thai that the coalition commands more than half of the votes in the House and that the party will not touch the lèse majesté law.

He also said that he wants a new government to be formed as quickly as possible, to boost the confidence of foreign investors and the Thai people.