Supporters of the Move Forward Party gather at Democracy Monument during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)
BANGKOK – Thailand's parliament will hold another vote for a prime minister next week which cannot include the leader of election winners Move Forward, a deputy speaker said on Thursday, after his renomination was blocked.
Parliament's move to deny Pita Limjaroenrat after a marathon debate on his eligibility on Wednesday triggered angry street protests, as a post-election crisis deepens two months after his party trounced rivals in an election.
"A candidate can only be nominated once in each parliamentary session," Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan told Reuters on Thursday.
READ MORE: Thailand's MFP party leader Pita denied renomination to be PM
On Wednesday, parliament voted to block Pita’s second bid for the premiership and the Constitutional Court suspended him as lawmaker as it investigates a case against him over allegations that he violated election law for holding shares in a media company. Pita denies breaking election rules.
Next week, it is widely expected that real estate tycoon and political newcomer Srettha Thavisin from the runner-up Pheu Thai party, part of Pita's eight-party alliance, will be nominated for premier
Legislative and judicial actions against him have drawn anger from his supporters.
"If we have elections and this is all we get, why don't you just choose it yourself," a protestor said late on Wednesday drawing applause from a crowd gathered in central Bangkok wearing black.
A Twitter hashtag from the protest was used at least 2 million times.
Thailand's main stock index has climbed about 2.6 percent since July 14, the day after Pita was first denied by parliament, while the baht has strengthened by 1.7 percent against the dollar.
ALSO READ: Thailand's Constitutional Court suspends Pita from parliament
Foreign investors bought 15.8 billion baht ($465.53 million)net of Thai shares and bonds during July 14-19.
Next week, it is widely expected that real estate tycoon and political newcomer Srettha Thavisin from the runner-up Pheu Thai party, part of Pita's eight-party alliance, will be nominated for premier.
Activists are planning more gatherings and have asked people to wear black to protest what they see as rules stacked against the election winners.
ALSO READ: Thai PM election: Move Forward party seeks to curb Senate powers
The constitution requires any prime ministerial candidate to secure at least 375 votes from a joint sitting of the bicameral legislature.
Protesters have called on the senators to resign and that Pita's eight-party coalition to stick together and uphold election promises.