Only hours after the Election Commission unofficially confirmed Move Forward Party’s victory in Sunday’s general election, its leader Pita Limjaroenrat has begun the process of forming a coalition government with Pheu Thai and four other smaller political parties.

Pita estimates that the six-party coalition will command a combined 309 seats in the House of Representatives.

“We are confident that we will secure a majority for the coalition to move forward,” Pita told a news conference.

He said he wants to form the coalition as soon as possible, to avoid a political vacuum and to prevent a possible counter-move by parties in the current ruling coalition.

According to the unofficial count by the Election Commission, Move Forward has won 151 House seats in the general election – 112 constituency and 39 party-list. Pheu Thai trails with 141.

Pita said he phoned Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a prime ministerial candidate of Pheu Thai, this morning to invite the main opposition party to join Move Forward in forming a coalition, along with the Prachachat, Seri Ruam Thai, Thai Sang Thai and Pentham parties.

The 43-year-old would-be prime minister said there is no need to include other parties which are part of the currently ruling coalition.

“I hope that the will of the majority of the people will be respected,” he said when asked to speculate on the Senate’s stand on the appointment of prime minister.

Under the current Constitution, the 250 senators will have a say in electing the prime minister. Pita will need support from at least 376 MPs and senators combined to be elected prime minister.

Pita said the executive committee of Move Forward will meet this afternoon (Monday) to discuss steps to be taken in forming the coalition. Later in the evening, the party will hold a victory celebration in Bangkok to thank voters for their support.