Excluded Thai Election Winner Seeks New Government Alliance

Thailand's progressive Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the country's general election, has been excluded from a coalition to form the next government due to conservative opposition over its proposed reform of a law banning criticism of the monarchy. The party's attempts to nominate a new prime minister have been blocked, and the populist Pheu Thai party has taken over the lead in forming a new government without Move Forward. Pheu Thai cited Move Forward's stance on the monarchy as a major obstacle in rallying enough votes in Parliament. Move Forward seeks to reduce military influence and tackle big business monopolies.