“Sia Nu” still keeps Bhumjaithai Party’s prime minister candidate confidential, saying discussions are ongoing, but confirms “Anutin” is certain. He asserts there have never been any internal negotiations, even as major factions have joined ahead of the 2026 election, and confirms “Akniti” as the party’s economic team leader.
At 11:42 a.m. on 18 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as head of the Bhumjaithai Party, gave an interview at the Government House regarding the party-list ranking of Bhumjaithai MPs: number 1 is the party leader, number 2 is the party secretary-general, which is standard practice.
When asked if Bhumjaithai Party confirms it will field three prime minister candidates, Mr. Anutin said they are trying to have all three. As for when they will be announced, he joked that the media has asked so much people are scared already. When asked if the other two names, Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Ms. Supajee Sutthumpun, Minister of Commerce, have become apprehensive, Mr. Anutin replied jokingly, “Right now, I’m the one who’s scared.” He then added that it’s okay, because someone has to take on the role. The party leader is already one prime minister candidate, and they are still discussing the other two. As for a surprise additional name, it’s unlikely.
On the question whether there will be a mid-course change of prime minister candidates, Mr. Anutin said, “We haven’t even announced yet, so where would we change? And as for the names circulating, I don’t know where the reporters got them from.” When pressed for clarity on the announcement timing, Mr. Anutin stated, “Anutin—that name is the clearest.” However, Bhumjaithai Party has its own management methods to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. There is no set rule on how many candidates to field. As long as the prime minister candidates are clear, the party will move forward to the election. Multiple elements are involved, including both constituency and party-list MP candidates, not just the prime minister candidates.
Regarding concerns whether many major factions joining the party might cause overlapping constituencies, Mr. Anutin said that has never been an issue. The party does not have to manage that. Everyone who joins discusses and assesses the party’s policy strength and candidate suitability in each area. If combined they create a positive force, they proceed accordingly. When asked how to maintain party unity with increased size and higher bargaining, Mr. Anutin said, he does not use the term internal bargaining. He has never experienced bargaining since he can remember; no one has ever bargained.
However, when asked, about an estimate of how many MPs the major factions combined might secure, Mr. Anutin replied that he usually does not comment, saying the people should decide. Speaking beforehand would disrespect the voters’ voice. When asked if selecting prominent figures to join the party would please the public, Mr. Anutin curtly said, “Have a good afternoon.” Regarding whether Mr. Akniti is the head of the party’s economic team, Mr. Anutin confirmed, that Mr. Akniti must be the party’s economic team leader. .