As Pheu Thai Party struggles to cobble together a governing coalition, one of its former allies, Thai Sang Thai Party, has chosen to stand aside for as long as that coalition includes the two political parties associated with the ruling power clique and the most recent coup.

Thai Sang Thai’s leader, Khun Ying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a former chief strategist of Pheu Thai, established her party in 2021. After the general election in May, Thai Sang Thai signed Move Forward’s Memorandum of Understanding, linking 8 parties including Pheu Thai. Sudarat decided to step away from supporting Pheu Thai, however, because Pheu Thai has built its own coalition with pro-establishment parties.

In an interview with Thai PBS World, spokesperson for Thai Sang Thai, Tidarat Yingcharoen, stated that her party would only support a democratic coalition, which would not include military-supported parties.

‘’Thai Sang Thai are very consistent. Since the beginning, when we were campaigning during the election, and even now, we do not support any party or any coalition that includes Prawit Wongsuwan’s Palang Pracharath or Prayut Chan-o-cha’s United Thai Nation Party.’’

As Pheu Thai has not yet consolidated enough support for its prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, pro-conservative parties, including Bhumjaithai, gain more leverage. Tidarat added that it is a difficult situation, in which Pheu Thai has no choice but to negotiate with the pro-establishment side.

‘’I am not sure what’s happening in terms of the conversation with senators, to ensure Pheu Thai has public endorsement, commitment and votes in next parliamentary session. Pheu Thai might think Bhumjaithai would be a good choice, in terms a public commitment, saying that Bhumjaithai can vote for Pheu Thai. Pheu Thai could, however, just say that the campaign messages are only for campaigning purposes.’’

In addition to Pheu Thai’s predicament, Tidarat said that Move Forward has no choice but to go into opposition. ‘’A lot of people in Move Forward are really vocal in terms of its stance. Sometimes you do not need to guess what their next steps will be. If Pheu Thai manages to form a government, Move Forward would end up in opposition. That’s not the preferred option for Move Forward, but that’s something they’ll have to consider if it comes to it.’’

As the political stalemate continues, an impact on Thailand’s economy is likely. Tidarat suggested that the next government should be formed as soon as possible to tackle economic issues.

‘’There are a lot of economic implications that come from delay. Some say GDP will shrink by 1% or 2%. There are also a lot of international corporations who invest a lot of money in Thailand. They are deciding whether they should put more investment into Thailand and now they are not sure, because of political instability. They do not know what the new government will look like. They do not know when we will have the new government and what the policies will be.’’

Despite the political chaos in Thailand, Tidarat pointed to a positive development in this year’s general election. More fresh blood is getting involved in politics, which catalyses transformations in the right direction, adding that young people, including young women, have become more active in politics.

‘’People have shown that they want change. I lead a project, called “More Women in Politics”. My party leader, Khun Ying Sudarat Keyuraphan, is one of the few female party leaders in Thailand. We’ve seen more interest coming from female leaders, who are involved in politics. More and more young people, female and male, are interested in politics.’’

By Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World