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Anutin Avoids Confirming Supachais Candidacy for Prime Minister, Affirms Continued Work with Bhumjaithai

Politic19 Dec 2025 14:58 GMT+7

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Anutin Avoids Confirming Supachais Candidacy for Prime Minister, Affirms Continued Work with Bhumjaithai

Anutin revealed that the party meeting discussed policies for the election campaign, focusing on four main areas emphasizing economic security and national stability, and the security of the nation. He avoided answering whether Supachai accepted the prime ministerial candidacy, stating that everyone is still working with Bhumjaithai.

On 19 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as head of the Bhumjaithai Party, disclosed after a party strategy meeting that policies were discussed, with candidates and party members deliberating to propose policies. Effective policies would be supported, while those not fitting current circumstances would be withdrawn. This was part of the discussion process as there is still time.

When asked if they could reveal the campaign policies, Anutin said it was better to wait until they were fully developed and well presented. The four main themes are economic security, national security, quality of life security, and technological security, with other components included, such as the MOU 43-44.

Regarding economic policies previously successful, such as the Khon La Khrueng Plus program, whether it would continue, Anutin said it is part of economic security, involving the circulation of funds to stimulate the economy and maintain social stability.

Asked if Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Supachai Suthampan have accepted candidacy for prime minister from Bhumjaithai, Anutin said discussions are ongoing. Those approached need to consider and consult, but he affirmed that everyone working together in the current government has committed to continue collaborating in their respective areas of expertise.

When pressed whether Supachai has accepted, Anutin reiterated, "Everyone has agreed to assist the Bhumjaithai Party." We have all who have worked with us in the team. Actually, the party leader is one of the prime ministerial candidates. In the past, one candidate was considered sufficient, but the political context may cause unforeseen events where some parties run out of candidates. Therefore, we focus on capable workers, and having candidates for prime minister is a precaution. He emphasized, "The most important are the workers. The economic team leader is none other than Ms. Supachai and Mr. Ekniti, who will split responsibilities: Supachai overseeing commerce and industry economics, Ekniti handling finance, fiscal policy, macroeconomics, and financial discipline including budget use."

Meanwhile, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, manages international relations and uses diplomacy to strengthen Thailand’s security on the global stage.

When a reporter asked if Supachai declines the prime ministerial candidacy, would she be invited to serve as a minister again, Anutin said he had already answered everything. When asked if it would be Mr. Sihasak instead, Anutin reiterated that the party has these personnel in the team. If Bhumjaithai gains public trust to govern after the election, these individuals would remain in government. Regarding when clarity would come, Anutin replied some matters are internal party issues, then laughed and asked the reporter, "What does that mean?" and said, "Don’t..." before laughing again.

Regarding whether the election in Songkhla’s 2nd district would be intense after Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, Director of Saba Yoi Hospital, Songkhla, and Chairman of the Rural Doctors Association, announced his candidacy for the People's Party, Anutin said he does not focus on specific districts because every Bhumjaithai candidate is capable, and each district has a responsible person.

When pressed about Dr. Supat’s past differing opinions during Anutin’s tenure as Minister of Public Health, Anutin exclaimed "Ouch" then said, "We love each other dearly."

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