Thailand’s largest opposition party is set to convene a critical summit on Monday to determine its backing for the next prime minister after the incumbent Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office by a court ruling.

On Friday, Thailand’s Costitutional Court dismissed Paetongtarn from her position, citing ethical breaches related to a border dispute with Cambodia. This ruling has left the country with only an acting prime minister and a caretaker cabinet, as various factions vie for support to establish a new government by Wednesday.

Both Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party and the Conservative Bhumjaithai Party which withdrew from her coalition due to the border controversy are now seeking the backing of the People’s Party, which holds a pivotal 143 parliamentary seats.

However, the People’s Party has indicated that its support will hinge on the condition that parliament is dissolved for new elections within four months, potentially leading to further political instability.

According to Thailand’s constitution only candidates nominated during the last general election in 2023 are eligible for the prime minister position. Former state prosecutor Chaikasem Nitisiri, Pheu Thai has only one remaining candidate, while Bhumjaithai is proposing its leader Anutin Charnvirakul.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut emphasised that the vote would not be for the best candidate to serve the public but rather for a prime minister willing to dissolve the parliament. He stated that his party members would not participate in any new cabinet formed under the new prime minister.

Natthaphong also noted that discussions within the party might extend beyond a single day due to varying opinions among members.

The People’s Party emerged from the dissolved Move Forward party, which had campaigned to diminish military influence and reform Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws.

A new election could provide an opportunity for People’s Party to revive this reform agenda.