Reformist Thai party is excluded from coalition to form the next government, runner-up party says

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — The progressive political party that won the most seats in Thailand’s general election has been excluded from a coalition to form the next government. Conservative lawmakers strongly oppose the party over its proposed reform of a law banning criticism of the country’s monarchy. Thailand has struggled for nearly three months to form a government and select a new leader since its election in May. Move Forward Party, the surprise winner, pulled together an eight-party coalition with a majority of lower house lawmakers. But the leader of Pheu Thai, the second-biggest party in the coalition, said Wednesday that other parties and the military-appointed Senate could not accept Move Forward’s proposal to amend the monarchy law. Pheu Thai said it will form its own coalition.