Paetongtarn or Chaikasem: Pheu Thai's choice for new PM uncertain

Pheu Thai MPs are meeting today at the party’s HQ to select a candidate for prime minister, to replace Srettha Thavisin, who was ousted in yesterday’s Constitutional Court ruling.

Media reports suggest that some MPs of the ruling Pheu Thai party would prefer to nominate the party’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to be the next prime minister.

This would be counter to an agreement among government whips, who met last night at the residence of paroled Thaksin Shinawatra, to nominate Chaikasem Nitisiri as the party’s candidate.

Parliament is due to meet on Friday to elect Srettha’s replacement.

Meanwhile, Chaikasem stated this morning that he is fit and ready to assume the role. He claimed in an interview that he is physically prepared to take on the premiership if nominated by the party and elected.

Citing political uncertainties, the former attorney-general and justice minister mentioned that he is awaiting a resolution from the Pheu Thai party and the agreement of coalition partners for his nomination to be presented to the House of Representatives for a vote.

He added that he had been informed by the party of his official nomination for tomorrow's vote.

Regarding his health, Chaikasem revealed that he was hospitalized for treatment of a stroke during the general election last May, but he has recovered after three months of rehabilitation.

He assured that his health will not hinder his ability to perform his duties as prime minister.