Pheu Thai, Chartthaipattana Back Chaikasem for Thailand PM Vote

Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party has nominated Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old former attorney-general, as its candidate for prime minister ahead of a parliamentary vote, challenging Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. This nomination comes after Pheu Thai's previous bid to dissolve the House was rejected by the Privy Council, and it signals Pheu Thai's readiness to call a snap election immediately if Chaikasem is elected. The move complicates the political landscape, especially a pact between Bhumjaithai and the opposition People's Party, which supports Anutin with the condition that the House will be dissolved within four months. The People's Party, holding nearly a third of the parliamentary seats, insists it will honor its agreement with Bhumjaithai and will not join the next government. Pheu Thai has petitioned the king to dissolve the House and seeks clarity on the dissolution process amid accusations of contradictory actions concerning the timing of the prime ministerial vote and the dissolution request. The prime ministerial vote requires 247 of 492 House members' support, with Anutin reportedly securing backing from 146 MPs, including 69 from Bhumjaithai, while Pheu Thai and its allies back Chaikasem, who cannot speak in the House as he is not an MP.