Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has indefinitely postponed Thursday's vote for a new prime minister, pending a Constitutional Court ruling on the rejected renomination of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat.
If the prime ministerial vote went ahead on Thursday, it could lead to problems when the Constitutional Court makes its ruling afterwards, Mr Wan said.
Another reason for delaying the vote was that many elected MPs and senators were worried they would not be able to attend ceremonies to celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday in their provinces on Friday, Mr Wan said.
The prime ministerial vote could be put back on the parliamentary agenda after the court's ruling.
MFP has agreed to let Pheu Thai take the lead in nominating a prime minister and forming the government. It also faces a challenge because many parties outside the coalition bloc disapprove of MFP’s political platform and plan to revise Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law.
Meanwhile, MFP insists it will continue its efforts to have Mr Pita installed as prime minister.
Mr Pita failed to win a majority vote to become the new prime minister on July 13.
