Bangkok: The People's Party has laid out three specific conditions for backing a new prime minister to resolve the ongoing political stalemate. The party demands that the new prime minister dissolve parliament within four months and initiate constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing fairness. Crucially, the People's Party has also clarified that it will not participate in forming the government.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, along with the party's executive board and MPs, convened to deliberate on the Constitutional Court's recent ruling. This ruling concerned an audio clip between Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate and former Prime Minister of Cambodia. The outcome of this deliberation is expected to shape the party's future strategies.
Later in the afternoon, Mr. Natthaphong addressed the press following the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss Ms. Paethongtarn from her role as Prime Minister. He emphasized that since the audio was made public, the People's Party has consistently advocated for the dissolution of the House of Representatives. This action, he argued, would return power to the populace and allow for the establishment of a government with the legitimacy needed to tackle the nation's political, conflict, and economic challenges.
The current political landscape, as Mr. Natthaphong noted, requires a government that is both stable and politically legitimate. The People's Party believes that a government should possess the authority to appoint competent executives capable of addressing national issues, rather than individuals selected through negotiations. However, the existing constitutional framework poses challenges to forming such a government, necessitating a new election.
The People's Party has asserted that it will not partake in the government and will serve as the opposition, committed to scrutinizing the government. They have stipulated three primary conditions for the selection of a new prime minister:
1. The new prime minister must dissolve the House of Representatives within four months to facilitate elections.
2. A referendum on constitutional amendments must be conducted, enabling the drafting of a new constitution by an elected Constitutional Drafting Assembly.
3. The People's Party will not hold any ministerial positions in the new government.
Mr. Natthaphong reiterated the party's stance, emphasizing the necessity for swift elections to establish a legitimate government that can effectively address the country's issues. He also clarified that while no official agreements have been made with other political parties, the People's Party is prepared to utilize its votes to influence the country's direction towards a new election.
The People's Party's conditions are aimed at ensuring a legitimate government that can initiate necessary reforms. Mr. Natthaphong stressed that if any party agrees to these conditions but fails to fulfill them, the People's Party will use its votes to push for a new election. He highlighted the importance of political integrity, noting that previous governments have not always fulfilled their promises, and the public will hold them accountable in future elections.
Regarding the readiness for possible elections following a four-month parliament dissolution, Mr. Natthaphong confirmed that the People's Party is prepared for elections at any time. He emphasized that the conditions were set to reinforce the need for a government with legitimacy, irrespective of the party's political advantage or disadvantage.
In response to concerns about potential impacts on Thai-Cambodian relations, Mr. Natthaphong stated that it is the duty of the caretaker government and relevant agencies to ensure that Thailand's interests are not compromised.