Scrutiny of prospective cabinet members continues

The process of scrutinising prospective cabinet up members continued today, while ten political parties and 322 MPs have joined the Paetongtarn coalition government, according to Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, the secretary general to the prime minister.

Due to rifts within the Palang Pracharath Party, however, 21 of its seats in parliament, under the leadership of Thammanat Prompao, will join the government, while 19 MPs, in the faction led by Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, will become part of the opposition.

In terms of seats, the government coalition will comprise Pheu Thai (141), Bhumjaithai (70), United Thai Nation (36), Democrat (25), Chartthaipattana (10), Prachachat (9), Chart Pattana (3), Thai Ruam Palang (2), Thai Counties Party (1), Plung Sungkom Mai (1), New Democracy (1), Thai Teachers for People (1) and the New Party (1).

The opposition bloc will consist of five parties with 171 MPs, Prommin said, namely the People’s party (143), Palang Pracharath (19), Thai Sang Thai (6), the Fair party (1), the Progressive Movement (1) and Thai Liberation (1).