Thai opposition parties form alliance and ask junta to step down
There are seven opposition parties in the alliance, but with the final tally delayed, the military may yet cling to power in Thailand
Bangkok — Thailand’s opposition “democratic front” alliance of seven parties, said on Wednesday that it had won a majority in the lower house of parliament after a messy election, and has the right to try to form a government after five years of military rule. But the opposition alliance would still be unable to elect a prime minister as parliamentary rules, written by the ruling military junta, require backing from a majority of upper and lower houses combined. Parliament’s upper house, entirely appointed by the junta, is expected to endorse the pro-military party. With unofficial results of Sunday’s vote still delayed, the ruling junta shows no sign giving up on its goal to keep former army chief and coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister. The post-election stand-off could raise tension just as the Southeast Asian country prepares for the elaborate coronation of its new king in May. Sudarat Keyuraphan, the main prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai party ousted by ...
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