Members of Thai Parliament begin debate to decide proceedings before the second round of the parliamentary vote to decide the country’s next prime minister in Bangkok on July 19, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

BANGKOK - Thailand's election-winning Move Forward Party declined on Tuesday to back former alliance partner Pheu Thai's bid to form the next government, calling it a distortion of the election outcome and against the will of the public.

The progressive Move Forward was the surprise winner of the May 14 election, closely followed by Pheu Thai. An alliance between them collapsed after a bicameral parliament rejected Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat's prime ministerial bid twice last month.

Thailand has been under a caretaker government for five months and Move Forward's refusal to back Pheu Thai could prolong months of political uncertainty exacerbated by the parliamentary deadlock

Thailand has been under a caretaker government for five months and Move Forward's refusal to back Pheu Thai could prolong months of political uncertainty exacerbated by the parliamentary deadlock.

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"The formation of government now is not reflective of the people's voice ... and distorts the will of the people in the elections," Move Forward secretary general Chaithawat Tulathon told a news conference.

Political veteran Pheu Thai has been accused by critics of outmanoeuvring Move Forward to ensure it leads the government.

Pheu Thai insists it only withdrew its support when it was clear that Move Forward could not win the backing of the legislature, where it encountered resistance to its agenda.

"We do not want to have any part in the formation of government under these conditions," Move Forward's Chaithawat said.

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Pheu Thai will nominate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin, a former real estate mogul. To succeed, Srettha needs support from more than half of the joint lower and upper houses, an outcome far from certain.

Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew said he expected a prime ministerial vote between Aug 18 and Aug 22 and he was confident Srettha could still prevail without Move Forward's support.

"We respect Move Forward's decision and we are able to work with all parties," he said.