Thairath Online
Thairath Online

Anutin Unfazed by Democrat and Prachachon Parties as Opposition, Thanks MOA and Prachachon Party for Leaving Government

Politic09 Feb 2026 14:33 GMT+7

Share article

Anutin Unfazed by Democrat and Prachachon Parties as Opposition, Thanks MOA and Prachachon Party for Leaving Government

Anutin revealed this election was more than a landslide, thanking MOA, the Prachachon Party, and the Paetongtarn government for allowing them to leave the government. He acknowledged that if Bhumjaithai, Kla, and Pheu Thai form a coalition, it would be a strong government and said he was not afraid of the Democrat Party. Prachachon Party. as the opposition.


On 9 February 2026, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, gave an interview on the program "Worker News Offscreen," expressing gratitude to the Thai people for placing their trust in Bhumjaithai, which secured a landslide victory as the number one party. He reaffirmed his commitment to serve as a good Prime Minister for all citizens and said he felt very pleased and delighted.


Regarding the unofficial vote count, Bhumjaithai has wonMP seats.nearly 200 seats, divided intoMP seats.175 constituency seats andMP seats.19 party-list seats, marking a significant increase compared to the 2023 election. Anutin admitted this figure exceeded expectations, as they initially estimated around 130–170 seats. His previous statement on the program estimating up to 200 seats was based on the atmosphere at polling stations, along with polls and various analyses.


Anutin described the results as "more than a landslide" because they reflected the trust and expectations of the people, which he said created pressure and obligations for the party to work hard to meet the people's needs as much as possible.


When asked about his pre-election statement that if not number one, the party would at least be first in the government bloc, Anutin admitted he kept an open mind until 5 p.m. after polls closed. Although he did not expect to be second, he remained cautious and did not underestimate his rivals. He consistently assessed their capabilities highly, including Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, who is knowledgeable, hardworking, and dedicated to the country, as well as Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate, whom he respects for never using verbal attacks or slander.


Anutin added he closely followed the situation and analyses from all parties, as well as social media trends constantly, to the point his chief advisor told his wife to hold his phone during the final week to avoid harming confidence. However, he adhered to the principle of "the more knowledge, the better" and believed he could handle the pressure.


When asked if the chief advisor referred to Mr. Newin Chidchob, Anutin laughed and replied, "Many senior people." He explained that his moving his household registration to Newin's house to vote together was a long-standing practice since the time of the 1997 constitution under Mr. Bowornsak Uwanno, which used a regional party-list system. He said he always does this for both general and local elections, often meeting, chatting, and dining together as a brotherly relationship that remembers their origins, struggles, and mutual support. He also described past playful moments as expressions of goodwill among brothers.


Anutin also recalled the beginning of his political work with Newin, saying his life has been fortunate with no conflicts. He compared everyone's political paths as filled with successes, disappointments, and lessons, emphasizing their family-like bond, similar tastes and lifestyles, down-to-earth attitudes, avoidance of formalities, and joint efforts to build Bhumjaithai's rightful political standing over time.


Thanks to MOA, Prachachon Party, and Paetongtarn government for letting us leave the coalition.


Regarding the perception that Anutin takes the spotlight while Newin works behind the scenes, Anutin said it is well known who fits which role at different times. He firmly denied any pre-planned withdrawal from the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government and thanked them for allowing their exit, as well as MOA and the Prachachon Party.


He also affirmed his commitment to proceed with constitutional amendments according to the people's consensus without delay, rejecting claims that Bhumjaithai holds power in boththe lower houseand the upper house. When asked aboutthe Senate,being controlled by Bhumjaithai,


he confirmed the party is proud to follow the MOU with Prachachon Party. Moving forward, they will review the draft's details and provisions that need amendment.


Regarding Senate power,he emphasized that currently they have no authority to selectthe Prime Minister,and that power is restricted. Any changes to Senate powersor independent agencies must consider the nature of those bodies, not overreach. He noted that politics still has both old and new players, so progress must be gradual. For example, after passing the first and second readings, there would still be room for dialogue. Cutting off negotiations would be difficult because it is not "the end of the world." He stressed that everything must followproper procedures.We must stay grounded in reality and learn to engage with people whose status differs from ours.He accepted that if Bhumjaithai, Kla, and Pheu Thai form a coalition,they would be a strong government.


Regarding forming a coalition with these three parties, Anutin said they would have over 300 seats.


He stated we should havea strong government capable of effective work.When asked if he had already made contact, Anutin said he must wait until final numbers stabilize and urged not to act prematurely. He emphasized following Thai customs and understood practices, assuring the public that everything would be transparent, with no doubts or


hesitation.He pledged to do what benefits the country.He is not afraid of the Democrat Party and


Prachachon Party as the opposition. He thanked the Prachachon Party, saying without them then, there would be no us now. Regarding the Democrat and Prachachon parties as formidable opposition, Anutin said corruption is truly frightening, but if they act with good intentions, think of voters, and consider citizens who did not vote for them, there is nothing to fear.


Finally, Anutin thanked the Prachachon Party, saying that if they had not existed then, Bhumjaithai would not be here now, including the criticisms from other parties, as even in criticism there is advice.