Key Facts
• Thailand’s largest opposition party, the National Party, supports Anutin of the Pride of Thailand Party.
• Both parties lack a parliamentary majority but may gain support from defecting lawmakers.
• Interim Prime Minister Pumtham considered dissolving the House but was reportedly denied by the King.
• The Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn on August 29, leading to a temporary government.
• The National Party accepted conditions, including a House dissolution within four months and a constitutional referendum.
• The National Party, successor to the Move Forward Party, remains highly popular in polls.
• If Anutin becomes Prime Minister, the National Party plans to stay out of the government and prepare for elections.
Summary
Thailand’s political landscape is shifting as the National Party, the largest opposition group, announced its support for Anutin, leader of the conservative Pride of Thailand Party, in the prime ministerial election. Despite their alliance, the two parties lack a parliamentary majority but may secure additional backing from defecting lawmakers. Interim Prime Minister Pumtham’s attempt to dissolve the House was reportedly rejected by the King, complicating efforts to resolve the political deadlock. The National Party’s decision to back Anutin stems from agreed conditions, including a House dissolution within four months and a constitutional referendum. As the successor to the Move Forward Party, the National Party remains highly popular and plans to focus on upcoming elections, even if Anutin assumes the premiership.
