The Pheu Thai-led coalition's decision to nominate Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit as its prime ministerial candidate has caused dissatisfaction among Pheu Thai MPs, who prefer their own party's candidates.
A Pheu Thai member from Maha Sarakham, Yutthapong Charassathien, said 84 of the party's MPs from the Northeast support Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, the party's prime ministerial candidate.
Secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said Pheu Thai had to support Mr Thanathorn as it needs to keep the seven-party coalition together to fight against the regime's bid to prolong its power.
"I admit that in the [Pheu Thai] party's meeting there were different opinions. We reluctantly have to refrain from nominating the party's candidate for the prime ministerial post," Mr Phumtham said on Tuesday, adding that a Palang Pracharath-led government will only have a few more MPs than his camp.
Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate Khunying Sudarat, who is not an MP, earlier announced that she did not want to become prime minister.
Pheu Thai also did not nominate Chadchart Sittipunt or Chaikasem Nitisiri, the party's other two prime ministerial candidates.
Meanwhile, Mr Thanathorn on Tuesday declared his readiness to outline his vision as a candidate.
He said he is prepared to deliver a speech about his vision because people should know how the next premier will run the country.
"If the House gives its permission, I am ready to give my vision. I will stand by this whether or not Gen Prayut is present," he said.
Mr Thanathorn also urged the Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties to avoid joining the PPRP coalition.
"It is not too late for the two parties to make the right decision to stop the NCPO's effort to cling to power," he said.
