The Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties see few obstacles in the lead-up to next year's February election, a forum was told yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party considers there is "not much political power" in newly formed political parties.
The three parties came together to discuss the future of Thai politics at the CSLA Asean Forum: "The Future of Thai Politics: Elections Ahead" organised by Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia (CLSA) yesterday.
Invited to speak at the forum were Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, and Pheu Thai Party core leader Chaturon Chaisang.
Mr Abhisit said he did not think the organic bills on the election of MPs and selection of senators, recently passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), will change the deadline for the next election which Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has promised will take place by February next year.
Although the two bills could still be put up for legal interpretation by the Constitutional Court, he said the court would likely be able to wrap up the work within a given 90-day timeframe.
Mr Chaturon, on the other hand, has insisted Pheu Thai stands firm that it will not endorse an outsider prime minister. He is confident his party will not nominate Gen Prayut as premier after the next election.
"It is no surprise that a lot of new political parties are showing support and promoting Gen Prayut ahead of the elections. However, I don't see much potential in these newly formed groups," Mr Chaturon said.
He said if Gen Prayut intends to continue his leadership and cling on to power after the election takes place, an exceptional legal loophole will need to be created to accommodate such an ambition.
Mr Anutin, meanwhile, said he is confident that the election will be held by February next year in accordance with the roadmap as promised by the prime minister.
With growing interest surrounding the announcement by billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit that he might set up his own political party that appeals to young voters, all three politicians said it was an exciting prospect. Mr Thanathorn, the 39-year-old executive vice-president of the Thai Summit Group, will decide later this month whether to register his party.
