The Latest Breaking News from Pheu Thai

News of Paetongtarn Shinawatra's pregnancy will not affect the Pheu Thai Party's decision on its candidate for prime minister at the general election, but could affect campaigning, the party leader said on Wednesday.

Several possible formulas for the formation of the next government are emerging with Bhumjaithai, the second largest coalition partner, poised to emerge as the most coveted party, according to politicians and experts.

The Pheu Thai Party says it opposes a new government plan to allow eligible foreigners to own as much as one rai (roughly 0.4 acre) of land for residential purposes, saying it would not truly benefit the country’s economy and people.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has kept tight-lipped on the main opposition Pheu Thai Party's indication that Gen Prawit Wongsuwon -- his deputy and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) -- could be someone it could do business with in forging an alliance after the next polls and not him.

Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, a deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has brushed aside talk of forming a government with the main opposition Pheu Thai Party after the next election, saying it was premature to discuss the matter.

The emergence of the so-called "middle-path" parties in the lead-up to the next general election could play a significant role in deciding which major player can muster enough support to form the next government, critics have said.

The Pheu Thai Party has changed its mind about seeking to disband the Bhumjaithai Party over the latter's cannabis policy, now saying the issue needs time for careful study.

With plenty of resources and a vast supply of election candidates at its disposal, Bhumjaithai is widely speculated to outdo the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) at the next general election.

The next general election is now firmly on the horizon, with the Election Commission (EC) having tentatively set the date last month as being May next year.