Thailand's People's Party poised to be kingmaker as rivals vie for premiership

1/9/2025 13:14

The biggest party in Thailand's parliament was due to meet on Monday to decide whom it will back to form the next government, as two rival camps jostled for its votes following the sacking of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister last week.



The opposition People's Party does not want to join any government but with control of nearly a third of the house seats, it has emerged as a potential kingmaker and its backing could be a game-changer in breaking the political deadlock.



Parliament is due to hold a special session starting Wednesday and the secretary-general of the house told Reuters it is on standby to hold a vote on a new prime minister this week, if parties were ready to nominate a candidate.



Thailand was plunged into uncertainty on Friday when the Constitutional Court dismissed Paetongtarn for an ethics violation after only a year in office.



Her sacking triggered an instant political scramble, with her fragile coalition putting on a show of unity, as a renegade party that quit her alliance, mounted a challenge.