The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on Tuesday officially announced a commitment from small parties to support its campaign to form a new government with Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister.
PPRP declared the alliance with the Action Coalition for Thailand, Chartthaipattana, Palang Thongthin Thai, Thai Forest and Land Reclamation, and People Reform parties. The five small parties have a combined 14 votes in Parliament, while PPRP has 116 seats.
The combined vote of the six parties -- 130 -- is still far short of the 251 needed to form a majority government in the 500-seat House of Representatives.
The Democrats, Bhumjaithai and Chartthaipattana were not mentioned in the announcement because PPRP has already invited them to join the pro-regime coalition.
Chartthaipattana has confirmed its intention to join the pro-military club, while Bhumjaithai says it will do so if PPRP can form a majority administration.
The latest move by the PPRP took place as the Democrat Party held meetings to determine its position ahead of the joint session of the two houses on Wednesday to begin the process of voting for the new prime minister.
PPRP leader Uttama Savanayana said the meeting with the small parties was held to confirm their political pledges to back PPRP and show the party's gratitude for their decision.
