Who is the PM candidate?
Five candidates are still running, including 77-year-old Chaikasem Nitisiri, former attorney general and attorney general, who has been keeping a low profile but is now ready to move forward. Thai-style Thai people who initially proposed three candidates now only support Chaikasem.
Other possibilities include 58-year-old Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose Bhumjaithai party withdrew from the coalition in June. Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former deputy prime minister Jurin Laksanawisit and 71-year-old former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha also included Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who led the 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government and is now a royal adviser.
What does it take to become a PM?
Before the House votes, candidates must ensure support from at least 50 legislators. To be appointed Prime Minister, candidates must receive more than half of the current 492 seats in the House of Commons, with at least 247 votes.
If no candidate succeeds, the process is repeated until the Prime Minister has no set time limit.
What are the possible situations?
Pheu Thai’s chances of retaining the Premier League through Chaikasem depend on whether Thaksin can still maintain some form of alliance with Thailand’s conservative institutions that exert important political power and may derail his ambitions.
Although the conservative old guard has a complicated history with Thaksin, some analysts think they might see him as a smaller evil. If Thaksin’s influence is reduced, the possibility of early elections will increase, potentially opening the door for the BJP, a progressive opposition group whose reform agenda challenges the interests of conservatives and royal armies.
Although Chaikasem can be used as a temporary solution, he has limited political experience, so he is unlikely to make substantial reforms or revitalize the economy. Political instability may continue, and hopes for short-term economic improvement are small.
Another potential situation is that Anutin becomes prime minister, but he will need support from his former coalition and BJP, which would suggest support for him if he promises early elections. Finally, an awkward compromise can be seen in Prayut’s return, demanding that he cooperate with the deeply divided Pheu Thai party.
