The prime minister vote occurs on Thursday, and the odds are not in favour of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat emerging as the country’s next leader.
Backed by eight prospective coalition partners, Mr Pita needs 64 votes to secure the premiership. But two major developments on Wednesday are believed to have dealt a blow to his bid for the position.
The day began with the Election Commission (EC) deciding to forward Mr Pita’s iTV share-holding case to the Constitutional Court for a ruling. The poll agency also asked the court to suspend him from duty pending its ruling.
Mr Pita is accused of contesting the May 14 polls despite knowing he was ineligible as he held 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company.
The Constitutional Court later in the day accepted a petition filed against the MFP and Mr Pita over their controversial lese majeste law policy.
The MFP said the EC had rushed the process, which could potentially lead to a violation of the Criminal Code.
Mr Pita said the MFP and Pheu Thai did not have a second plan in case he could not secure the post after two rounds of voting when asked if Pheu Thai would take the lead in coalition formation if his bid failed.
Mr Pita also criticised the EC for not giving him the chance to defend himself, saying that the inquiry was rushed with the probe being concluded in just 32 days.
