The Pheu Thai-led coalition now comprises nine parties and is assured of 238 votes, far fewer than the 374 required to win the PM seat.
Hence, the party has no option but to join forces with either the two junta-backed parties – United Thai Nation and Palang Pracharath – or its long-standing rival Democrat Party, if it wishes to avoid forming a minority government.
Phumtham said the alliance is seeking support from everybody, regardless of the political divide.
He said Pheu Thai is planning to hold discussions on building a government together with United Thai Nation Party, whose PM candidate was outgoing Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Also, he said, all 40 Palang Pracharath MPs have said they will back Srettha in the next voting session. Palang Pracharath MP Pai Leeke has reportedly announced that the party is doing this without expecting anything in return.
