Pheu Thai party deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai admitted today (Friday) that how the party proceeds in the formation of the new government will be dictated by “political mathematics”.

He expressed his appreciation to about 40 Palang Pracharath MPs, led by Pai Leeke, who have offered unconditionally to vote in support of the party’s prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin.

He said that Pheu Thai has made clear that it wants to form a “special” government, which does not side with any political faction, in order to resolve the crises confronted by the country, adding that, after the selection of the prime minister, the party will start the process of forming the administration.

Sidestepping a reporter’s question about whether the two military-linked parties, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, will be invited to join the nine-party coalition, Phumtham said that it depends on the “political mathematics”.

Regarding the United Thai Nation party, the Pheu Thai deputy leader said that there has been no discussion yet between the two parties adding, however, that the Pheu Thai welcomes support from all parties, without discrimination.

Commenting on Move Forward’s refusal to support Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate if either the Palang Pracharath or United Thai Nation is included in the coalition, Phumtham explained that, if his party continues to partner with Move Forward, the Move Forward-led coalition of eight parties will never succeed in getting its candidate selected as prime minister or in forming a government.

He claimed that the relationship between Pheu Thai and Move Forwards remains unchanged, as the two parties are not engaged in conflict, although some supporters of both parties are quarrelling.

He made clear that Pheu Thai welcomes support from all parties, but that does not mean that they will be incorporated into the government.