Thai poll winner MFP sets up transition team to take over

Eight-party bloc has several working groups to tackle urgent issues, facilitate handover from outgoing govt

- Tan Tam Mei

BANGKOK Thailand's election winner Move Forward Party (MFP) has set up a transition team with its coalition partners to facilitate the handover from the previous government, even as negotiations over key Cabinet roles continue.

The eight-party bloc, which collectively supports MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister, has also established several working groups to tackle urgent issues during the transition period, including high energy prices, the unrest in Thailand's deep south and environmental problems.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday after a coalition meeting, Mr Pita said: "The objective of today's meeting is to make sure we have a road map until the day I become prime minister.

"During this transition period, many people have been demanding answers, so we hope that by consolidating and setting up working committees, we can provide some answers." The transition team, led by Mr Pita, and the working groups will comprise representatives from the eight parties that make up the anti-junta coalition.

Who gets the role of House Speaker of Parliament is yet to be determined, after a public row last week between the MFP and coalition ally Pheu Thai, with each insisting its party take the position.

Mr Pita said the two parties will continue to discuss the matter, with a decision coming at a later date.