The joint memorandum of understanding states all parties agree to not affect Thailand’s status as a state, a democracy under a constitutional monarchy, or the status of the monarchy itself.
AMN / BANGKOK
Leaders of Thailand’s eight-party coalition that won a majority of seats in May 14 Thailand’s general elections have officially agreed to work together. They have listed their new policies as they look to lead the country’s next government.
Led by the Move Forward Party, or MFP, the political parties signed a memorandum of understanding, consisting of nearly two dozen terms and conditions they wish to pursue, including teams to work out any differences among the parties.
The signing of the coalition deal comes on the ninth anniversary of Thailand’s 2014 military coup.
MOU announcement
At a packed news conference Monday at the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok, MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat signed the agreement along with the seven other coalition leaders, listing 23 points they have agreed to accomplish, calling the negotiations “fruitful, comprehensive and a good start.”
“Today is about setting it up, as a good starter, that we have to work together moving forward to declare our policies after I become prime minister, so today is only the first step. There are a lot of immediate next steps that follow that, and that will probably explain a little bit more how to come about change,” Limjaroenrat told media persons.
The other parties in the coalition include Pheu Thai, Prachachat, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Fair, Pue Thai Rumphlang and Plung Sungkom Mai.
The Move Forward Party won 152 seats in the general election, comfortably defeating conservative and military-backed parties. Defying belief that the MFP only has support in urban areas where college students are registered to vote, in the capital Bangkok, MFP won a local landslide with 32 out of 33 constituency seats going to the progressive party.
But because of the 750-member structure of Thailand’s parliament — a majority of 376 seats is needed to elect a prime minster and form a new government. Because the MFP did not get enough seats to win outright, the alliance was formed. The seven allies will add 161 seats, totaling 313 seats in government.
23 points included in the MOU?
After talks of a coalition between the MFP and other parties following the elections, Monday’s signing is significant because it is viewed as a record that brings accountability.
The joint memorandum of understanding states all parties agree to not affect Thailand’s status as a state, a democracy under a constitutional monarchy, or the status of the monarchy itself.
Included in the 23-policy list is a focus to restore democracy and draft a new constitution, pass a marriage equality act, reform the police, military, and the justice process, revive the economy and combat corruption. The opposition coalition also hopes to restore Thailand’s geopolitical role, and to end its “quiet diplomacy.”
Reclassifying cannabis as a controlled substance has also been listed, despite Thailand decriminalizing its use in June 2022. Ending military conscription in Thailand was also pinpointed. It was one of the MFP’s campaign pledges.