The Pheu Thai party will try to have its prime ministerial candidate approved by parliament at a joint sitting of the House and Senate on July 27^th, Phumtham Wechayachai, a deputy party leader, said today (Friday), after the Move Forward party decided to step aside and let Pheu Thai take the lead in forming the government of eight coalition parties.

He said that he will discuss the problems which made it impossible for the Move Forward party to muster enough votes in parliament to approve Pita’s prime ministerial candidacy with the eight coalition parties.

He said that the problem does not only stem from the party’s uncompromising stand on the lèse majesté issue, adding that, after the successful formation of the new government, Pheu Thai will push to amend the Constitution as soon as possible.

Since the Pheu Thai party is now the core party in forming the government, Phumtham said members and the party will seek support from senators and MPs for one of its prime ministerial candidates.

As to which of the party’s three candidates it will be, he said that they have yet to decide.

The party’s three candidates are Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Srettha Thavisin and Chaikasem Nitisiri.  The party is scheduled to decide on July 16^th.

Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew, meanwhile, thanked the Move Forward party for allowing the Pheu Thai party to take the lead, adding that they will adhere to the democratic system with the King as the head of state and in compliance with the memorandum of understanding signed by the eight coalition parties.