The leader of Thailand's largest opposition force says he is confident they can form a coalition government after emerging victorious in Sunday's general election. Pita Limjaroenrat, whose Move Forward Party won the largest share of votes, says they have agreed to create an alliance with seven other parties.

At a news conference with the other party leaders on Thursday, Pita said they will release a memorandum of understanding outlining a framework for the coalition next Monday.

The eight parties have agreed to support Pita becoming the next prime minister. They include the Pheu Thai Party, affiliated with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which placed second in the election.

But it remains to be seen if they will be able to form a government. The parties won a total of over 310 seats in the Lower House. But they still need around 60 more seats, including from the senate, to choose the prime minister.

Move Forward also diverges from its allies on some key issues, especially the lese-majeste law, which forbids insulting the royal family. The party campaigned on a promise to amend the law.