The election for Thailand’s 33rd prime minister is set for Thursday, House Speaker Sophon Zaram said yesterday.
According to the procedure specified in Article 159 of the Constitution, the names of candidates nominated by political parties must appear on the list of prime ministerial candidates submitted to the Election Commission of Thailand before the general election on February 8.
Parties eligible to nominate one of their candidates for election by parliament must hold no fewer than 25 seats in the House, and the candidate must be seconded by at least 50 MPs.
The election this Thursday will be a contest between Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party and Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party.
The election will be conducted by roll call, and the winner must receive more than half of the votes of the 500-member House.
After the vote, House Speaker Sophon Zaram will submit the name of the successful candidate to HM the King for Royal assent, after which the prime minister will form the Cabinet.
A list of the Cabinet members will be thoroughly checked to ensure that they are qualified and meet the legal requirements for the proposed posts before it is presented to HM the King.
Before the new government can officially begin functioning, however, the prime minister must present a policy statement to parliament within 15 days of taking office.
