The outcome of the May 14 election was a big disappointment for Pheu Thai, which sought to score a landslide victory to return to power. The party came second behind the Move Forward Party (MFP), which had the mandate to form a coalition first. Pheu Thai stayed out of it until MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat's second attempt to become prime minister failed. Pol Gen Patcharawat believed it was best for Gen Prawit to step aside, according to a source close to the matter. As it turned out, senators close to Gen Prawit abstained in the PM vote while PPRP MPs fully backed Mr Srettha.
