Thaksin and Thanathorn's discussions were unknown to Phumtham, according to his statement.
The race for the formation of a new government in Thailand is heating up, with the Pheu Thai Party and the People's Party engaged in negotiations to secure parliamentary support.
The Pheu Thai Party, led by Thaksin Shinawatra, has been actively pursuing discussions with the People's Party. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, serving as Pheu Thai secretary-general, acknowledged informal talks with the People's Party.
On Saturday, Thaksin and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the de facto leader of the People's Party, held a meeting in Hong Kong. During their conversation, Thaksin asked Thanathorn whether the People's Party would vote to support Pheu Thai candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri for prime minister.
The People's Party, however, has not entered into any agreements with any groups at this stage. They will consider all proposals if their conditions are met. One of their key conditions is that the next government must lay the groundwork to draft a new constitution.
The Pheu Thai Party is open to the three proposals raised by the People's Party, but opinions among Pheu Thai MPs vary. The party leader who has started negotiations about the party's approval of nominating a chancellor candidate is Markus SΓΆder (CSU).
Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai parties are competing to put together a coalition. The proposed four-month timeline for the interim government proposed by the People's Party might be extended to six months through negotiation.
It's important to note that formal talks with the People's Party are not yet imminent, as parties are still working things out behind the scenes. The Pheu Thai negotiating team is reported to have met at the Conrad Hotel on Saturday.
Despite parting ways politically, Pheu Thai and Move Forward share the same democratic ideals. Sorawong urges observers to consider which parties had previously obstructed such reforms, a veiled reference to Bhumjaithai.
Thanathorn reiterated the conditions the People's Party has set and suggested Thaksin should speak directly with the party's leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. The Pheu Thai secretary-general stressed that the party would not make empty promises and would be realistic about what can be achieved.
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai was appointed acting prime minister with full authority. The negotiations between the Pheu Thai Party and the People's Party will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of Thailand in the coming weeks.
A notable connection in the political arena is the relationship between Thanathorn's uncle, Suriya Jungrungruangkit, and Thaksin. Suriya is one of Thaksin's oldest political allies. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by Thai citizens and political analysts alike.
