According to a statement released by Thailand's progressive party Pheu Thai, they plan to nominate real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin for the position of prime minister. This decision comes after the reformist Move Forward party, which won the general election, was excluded from the coalition's efforts to form the next government.

The country has been in political limbo since the May 14 election, with the Move Forward party gaining support from young voters who sought change from rule by military-linked governments, closely followed by the populist Pheu Thai.

Pheu Thai, founded by former telecoms tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, expressed their intention to put forward Srettha Thavisin for the prime ministerial position through a parliamentary vote. However, the Move Forward party is no longer part of the coalition's government-forming efforts. Despite winning a majority of seats in the elections, the Move Forward party faced opposition from pro-military parties and members of the military-appointed upper house Senate, who were taken aback by its reform agenda.

Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew confirmed that the Move Forward party has been excluded from the coalition.

"The formation of the new government will not include MFP," he told reporters.

"Pheu Thai will work to get enough votes, MFP will be in opposition, and we will work in a new dimension that is beneficial to the people."

"Pheu Thai has supported Move Forward to our fullest ability," he said further describing his party's decision to ditch its ally and take the lead in forming a government.

Conservatives rejected Move Forward's leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, as prime minister twice in previous attempts. Move Forward lawmaker Rangsiman Rome expressed shock at Pheu Thai's decision to withdraw from their alliance.

"I thought we were married. Today ... it's like a divorce," Rangsiman said near Pheu Thai's headquarters, where more than 100 people gathered to protest against the sidelining of Move Forward.

"You betrayed the people," some protesters shouted, referring to Pheu Thai.

As per reports from the news agency Reuters, Srettha, the nominee for prime minister from Pheu Thai, lacks significant political experience, having co-founded Bangkok-listed Sansiri, one of Thailand's largest real estate developers.

Meanwhile, a new alliance's members, seeking to form the next government, are expected to be revealed soon.

Pheu Thai's bid to establish a government comes amidst the imminent return of Thaksin to Thailand after nearly 15 years in self-exile.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the prime ministerial candidate in Thailand, faced a temporary suspension from parliament by a Constitutional Court. The suspension followed the acceptance of a case alleging his lack of qualification to run in the May 14 election.

The court granted Pita 15 days to respond to the suspension, which was announced while he was returning to parliament for further deliberations on his candidacy. His initial effort failed by 51 votes.

Furthermore, the Election Commission lodged a complaint against the Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, accusing him of violating election laws by allegedly holding shares in a media company.

Image source: CNN