"Phao Phum" ignores all polls, declaring that after the election "Pheu Thai" will lead the government formation. Meanwhile, the People's Party prime ministerial candidate confirmed he will not vote for "Anutin" as prime minister and will not join a government with "Kla Tham" (Courageous Justice).","tags":["election", "Pheu Thai", "People's Party", "government formation", "Anutin", "Thai politics"]},{
30 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the final stretch before the 2026 election. "tags":["election", "Thailand", "2026"] "One More Debate with Thairath for the 2026 Election". "tags":["debate", "election", "Thairath"] Kai Pongsakem reopened the debate stage in the final stretch before the 2026 election with representatives from each political party: Mr. Phao Phum Rojanasakul, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai Party; Mr. Siripong Angsakulkiat, Deputy Leader of Bhumjaithai Party; and Dr. Weerayut Kanchuchat, People's Party prime ministerial candidate. "tags":["debate", "political parties", "Pheu Thai", "Bhumjaithai", "People's Party"]
Entering the segment: "One Question, Two Debaters". "tags":["debate format", "election"] The first question: Mr. Phao Phum asked about the People's Party's reasoning for not voting for Bhumjaithai despite Bhumjaithai being the leading party in forming the government. He inquired about the limitations preventing a vote for Bhumjaithai if it leads the government. Furthermore, why is this reasoning not applied when the People's Party leads government formation and is able to include Bhumjaithai, with claims of mechanisms controlling Bhumjaithai's actions? He noted that the past MOA failed to control them. "tags":["debate", "government formation", "People's Party", "Bhumjaithai", "MOA"] Dr. Weerayut reiterated that there are two conditions in forming a government: not voting for Mr. Anutin as prime minister, and differences between the People's Party and Bhumjaithai in economic stimulation, civil service reform, and corruption management. He said that if Anutin receives the highest votes, they cannot support him due to opposing approaches. Should the People's Party be first and lead decision-making, remaining parties including Pheu Thai, Democrat, Bhumjaithai, or others can discuss shared agendas. Since the public consensus would have designated the first party, it should have the opportunity to pursue its agenda. He emphasized that the control mechanisms would differ from the MOA, as the prime minister can dismiss ministers and dissolve parliament, giving stronger oversight than before. "tags":["government formation", "People's Party", "Anutin", "policy", "MOA"]
Mr. Siripong stated that all parties agree to await public consensus before forming a government. He noted that Bhumjaithai is presenting conservative policies, reflecting each party's philosophy and who takes the leading role. If Bhumjaithai leads, it will pursue conservatism, which the People's Party may view as a different direction. If the People's Party leads, Bhumjaithai might join in certain areas, but their participation depends on which issues are addressed or not. "tags":["government formation", "Bhumjaithai", "People's Party", "policy differences"]
Regarding the MOA, both parties proposed similar terms, which they implemented until reaching limits beyond their control. They had agreed to proceed with a referendum leading to elections, but unforeseen factors arose when the opposition leader—who signed the MOA—called for parliament dissolution or resignation, requesting the referendum be held simultaneously with the election, which was accommodated. "tags":["MOA", "referendum", "parliament", "election"]
When asked if he was satisfied with the responses from both parties, Mr. Phao Phum stated that he believes the MOA is an ineffective mechanism to control each other's work. The prime minister's power to dismiss or appoint ministers is insufficient to set government direction. He remains concerned about control mechanisms but believes that scenarios one and two will not occur because "Pheu Thai" will lead government formation. "tags":["MOA", "government control", "Pheu Thai", "election"]
"Pheu Thai" will be the leading party in forming the government. "tags":["Pheu Thai", "government formation"] Watch live on Thairath TV channel 32 and all Thairath Online platforms. "tags":["broadcast", "Thairath", "election coverage"]