Pheu Thai Excludes Military-Backed Party from Coalition

Thailand's Pheu Thai Party has announced it will exclude the military-backed Palang Pracharat Party from its coalition government, following dissatisfaction among lawmakers regarding Palang Pracharat's leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, missing a crucial parliamentary vote to confirm new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the decision was unanimous among party members, despite Palang Pracharat holding 40 seats in the legislature. This marks a significant political shift, especially since Pheu Thai had previously allied with military factions. As a result, Pheu Thai is now expected to form a coalition with other parties, including a splinter faction from Palang Pracharat and the Democrat Party. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is in the process of forming her cabinet and aims to present government policies soon. The exclusion of Palang Pracharat may complicate the cabinet formation process as the new government seeks to establish its agenda.