Move Forward Party leader Pita’s prime minister bid defeat ‘a blow to the Thai electorate’: Analysts

But it may be an uphill task for Mr Pita to get more senators to vote for him, and over a short few days. All senators were appointed under the junta-drafted constitution. 

“I don’t think it’s a given that he can convince enough of them. He needs another 51 votes,” said Dr Ockey, whose research interests include comparative politics and Southeast Asia.

“It may be that he can win over a few votes from opposition parties, but he won’t get enough (votes) there. So he has to win more senators.”

Move Forward’s main ally Pheu Thai Party is expected to stick with Mr Pita for the second ballot for a new prime minister next week, said observers. 

“If they’re seen as quickly flipping sides and moving to work with the caretaker government parties, then it could be politically damaging,” said Mr Jay Harriman, senior director at BowerGroupAsia. 

“The easiest route for Pheu Thai is probably to give Pita one more chance before deciding on alternative options.”

Dr Montesano noted that if Pheu Thai teamed up with parties associated with a previous military-backed government, many voters would be very upset, and that could be one trigger for unrest. 

“If Pheu Thai worked out a compromise and continued to work with Move Forward and Move Forward remained in the coalition, voters might be less upset,” he said.