(Photo by Patipat Janthong)The pro-regime Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is stepping up its efforts to win over the Bhumjaithai and Democrat parties to ensure a PPRP-led coalition government materialises before parliament convenes on Friday. The PPRP has already sent its leader and secretary-general to court the two parties, viewed as the pivotal players, to back its efforts to form a coalition government. The combined number of 103 MPs -- 52 from the Democrat Party and 51 from the Bhumjaithai Party -- can tip the scales of power in favour of the PPRP-led alliance. However, the Democrat Party has not yet committed itself to supporting the PPRP-led alliance. PPRP spokesman Kobsak Pootrakool said on Tuesday that the party executive board has assigned PPRP leader Uttama Savanayana and party secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong to negotiate with other parties that are potential PPRP allies in joining a coalition government.

Source: Bangkok Post May 21, 2019 22:30 UTC