Anutin said he is not brave enough to exploit the war situation by trading sovereignty and soldiers' lives for votes. Bhumjaithai adheres to the saying, 'slow and steady wins the race.' He stated that he is the only one who has accepted being the party's prime ministerial candidate.
On 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about Bhumjaithai's prime ministerial candidate announcement after the Pheu Thai Party had already revealed theirs today, saying there is still time. When asked if Ms. Supachai Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, had accepted, Anutin said they are still discussing, but so far, only he has accepted.
Regarding the Pheu Thai Party's announcement of three prime ministerial candidates today, he congratulated all three, noting he knows them all. He mentioned Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, whom he knows and once consulted when he was Minister of Public Health, describing him as highly knowledgeable. When asked if Bhumjaithai was late in announcing, the Prime Minister said he adheres to the principle, and when asked if the saying 'slow and steady wins the race' applies, he replied, 'Yes, it is a fitting response.'
Asked if any prime ministerial candidate from other parties is frightening to Bhumjaithai, the Prime Minister shook his head before replying. "It's a difficult question to answer. I am afraid of all of them," he said. When asked if he fears the younger generation of candidates, the Prime Minister responded. "I am afraid of all of them," Anutin said. Mr. Anutin stated.
Regarding reports that Bhumjaithai expects to win 200 MPs, Anutin asked who reported that, denying it was him. He affirmed that they will do their best, but ultimately the people decide. The party must select the best, most suitable, and knowledgeable candidates. Asked six years ago, the answer remains the same.
When asked how many party-list MPs he desires, Anutin said he would like 500, but how many they get depends on the people. While they desire many, in reality, they must prepare well, choose good candidates, formulate good policies, build public confidence, and leave the decision to the electorate. He said this reflects his style.
Asked if he is confident that the upcoming election will enlarge Bhumjaithai, Anutin said all indications point to the party growing, but ultimately it depends on voters' choices.
Bhumjaithai's selling point in the next election is improving people's quality of life, focusing on economic security and growth, openness to international engagement, ensuring Thailand remains an attractive destination for tourism and investment, generating income, and providing the country with various opportunities.
Asked if the Prime Minister has set mechanisms to improve governance if they return to power, Anutin said they have fulfilled their promises without any outstanding issues. When asked if they would go beyond promises, he said whether or not they do so is up to circumstances.
Regarding expectations for MPs in Bangkok, Anutin said as a political party leading government formation, they field candidates in all districts. Even if some lose, they hope to secure party-list seats. When asked if Bhumjaithai comes second in the next election whether they would try to form a government, Anutin said, "Don't think too far ahead; I haven't even registered as an MP yet."
Asked why voters should choose Bhumjaithai, which some analysts project as the top party, Anutin said there is no compulsion for voters to choose them. However, if confident in their ability to govern under current conditions and with cooperation from all sectors, he quietly feels proud. Everyone involved understands their terms clearly, and cooperation from civil servants, military, private sector, and independent organizations has been good. Despite only 3-4 months in office, the government has made considerable progress both in long-term plans and immediate issues like defending national sovereignty with broad cooperation.
Regarding criticism that Bhumjaithai is exploiting the war situation to ride nationalist sentiment for votes, Anutin laughed and said. "Please don't view things pessimistically. I am not brave enough to trade the nation's sovereignty or the lives of soldiers and citizens to gain votes or benefits for myself. That is an incorrect way to think," he said. Mr. Anutin added.
When asked about Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bowornsak Uwanno's meeting with the Election Commission (EC) to discuss elections and contingency plans if the Thai-Cambodian border situation remains unresolved, Anutin said everything must comply with the constitution and that decisions are up to the EC.
When asked if the border problems would be completely resolved if Bhumjaithai forms the next government, Anutin said they will try to resolve them as soon as possible.
When asked about former Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit's statement that if Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat becomes prime minister, the border problems would not occur, the Prime Minister laughed and said, "Try looking at the comments online."
Regarding concerns about the approaching election, Anutin said he is currently worried about the border situation and how to restore Hat Yai. People have been able to return home, but businesses still need recovery. He has urged Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas to expedite the soft loan program to help citizens rebuild, including interest-free loans of 100,000 baht per household for repairing homes and damaged property, noting the existing 9,000 baht relief is insufficient.
On the issue of the Thai baht reaching its highest strength in nearly four and a half years, affecting exports and tourism, the Prime Minister said he has instructed Ms. Supachai Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, and the Minister of Finance to consult with the Bank of Thailand.
When asked about today's Cabinet meeting—the first since the dissolution of the House—Anutin said he urged ministers to work diligently. While campaigning is ongoing, it should not interfere with official duties. Ministers remain in office until the new Cabinet takes the oath, so they will continue to govern for several more weeks without disruption, focusing on the country’s welfare rather than just campaigning for votes.