Paetongtarn – heiress to the Shinawatra dynasty which has dominated Thai politics for two decades – had only been in office since last August, after her predecessor was likewise dismissed by court order.
Under Thailand’s constitution, only candidates nominated for prime minister at the time of the last general election in 2023 are eligible – leaving a dwindling list of names for the top office.
Pheu Thai have only one possible candidate left – former state prosecutor Chaikasem Nitisiri – while Bhumjaithai are putting forward their leader Anutin Charnvirakul.
“We will not be voting for the best prime minister to serve the people,” People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said ahead of the summit.
“We are voting for a prime minister who will dissolve the house,” he said, pledging his members would not serve in any new cabinet they give their backing to.
The People’s Party succeeded the Move Forward party which won the most seats in Thailand’s 2023 election after campaigning to reduce military influence and reform Thailand’s tough lese-majeste laws.
The bid to relax the royal defamation laws resulted in Move Forward being dissolved by court order, but any new election could see the People’s Party resurrect the campaign.
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