Thai Political Parties Jockey for Support to Fill Post of Premier

Constitutional Court's Ouster of Paetongtarn Paves Way for Vote Expected from Sept 3-5

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BANGKOK - The race to form a new government in Thailand intensified as political parties courted rivals for support just hours after a court ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for ethics violations.

Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, a businessman-turned-politician, has emerged as a front runner to head the new government after his conservative Bhumjaithai Party reached an agreement with the opposition People's Party - the single-largest group in the 500-member House of Representatives.

Mr Anutin said he is ready to become the new prime minister and his party has secured enough support from lawmakers to form the next government.

The Pheu Thai Party, backed by Ms Paetongtarn's Shinawatra clan, also claimed to have enough backing to retain power although the absence of a partner with 25 members exposed the cracks within the group.

The party is also seeking the support of the People's Party, saying it is ready to accept the conditions set by the progressive group.

A parliamentary vote to select a new premier is likely to be held from Sept 3-5. Under the Thai Constitution, a prime ministerial candidate needs the support of the majority of the sitting members in the elected Lower House.

Any coalition taking power next is unlikely to have a strong parliamentary mandate, potentially leading to a policy paralysis at a time when Thailand's economic outlook is worsened by the blow from US tariffs and the region's highest household debt levels.