Move Forward unveils eight-party coalition plan for next Thai govt

But Pita Limjaroenrat's path to premiership could be blocked by appointed senators

- Tan Hui Yee

Thailand's Move Forward Party (MFP) on Thursday announced it had formed a coalition made up of eight political parties with a majority in the Lower House, even as potential opposition from appointed senators threatens to derail its plan to form a government.

The MFP-led coalition has 313 of the 500 seats in the Lower House, based on preliminary poll results.

The MFP has the biggest majority with 152 seats, while the other seven parties have a combined 161 seats, and they have agreed to support MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat's bid for premiership.

"We are confident we can form a government," Mr Pita told a packed press conference in Bangkok.

"My coalition is firmly taking shape. There is momentum, there is progress, and we also have a very clear road map from today until the day I become prime minister," said the 42-year-old.

Working teams have been formed to sort out differences among the parties and to smoothen the transition of power, to minimise instability that could damage the country and its economy, he added.

"It will be the government of hope, the government of change," he said. "We will be faithful to the people's will, and will be the government for everyone."

More details of the tie-up will be released next Monday.