Negotiations over Thai coalition govt on track: Move Forward

Leading party in bloc says partners can resolve tensions over key roles and policies

- Tan Tam Mei

BANGKOK Negotiations over Thailand's potential government coalition are progressing and could be confirmed in two weeks, said Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun, even as tensions over key roles have arisen among the bloc.

"We have to discuss with the other coalition partners who will control which ministries. Regarding the policies, we have agreed on some, and have our differences on others," Ms Sirikanya, 42, told a media conference on Thursday.

She said tensions can be expected when negotiations take place among multiple parties, but she believes they can be resolved easily.

"I believe it can end fairly, in a situation where everyone is satisfied," she said.

The MFP led by Mr Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, is in the process of establishing a coalition with seven other political parties in a bid to form the next government.

The bloc, which signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, will have the majority in Parliament's 500-member Lower House with 312 MPs, according to revised results from Thailand's Election Commission.

The latest tally out on Thursday revises MFP's total seats to 151, down from the 152 reported last week, but the party keeps its position as winner of the May 14 election.

Runner-up Pheu Thai, which is linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, bagged 141 seats, and the other six allied parties have a combined 20 seats.