Pheu Thai closing in on a House majority, Senate an open question

Pheu Thai appears to be getting close to commanding a majority in Thailand’s 500-seat House of Representatives House.

Pheu Thai gained momentum when the Bhumjaithai party, of Anutin Charnvirakul, which won 70 House seat, appeared at a joint press conference to declare that they would be at the core of forming the governing coalition.

Combined, the two parties initially commanded 212 House, plus another 16 held by the Prachachat, Thai Liberal, Chart Pattana Kla, Pheu Thai Rumphalang, Plung Sungkom Mai and Thongthee Thai parties, bringing the current total to 228.

On Thursday, the Chartthaipattana party, led by Varawut Silpa-archa, agreed to join the coalition, bringing the number to 238.

On the same day, Pheu Thai received the welcome news that 40 Palang Pracharath MPs are likely to vote in support of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate.

One Palang Pracharath MP is Prawit…