Julapan, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, revealed that Bhumjaithai has not yet approached them for forming a government. He said anything could happen, depending on ideology and policy. He admitted feeling disappointed by the election results but said the party has regrouped and asserted that Pheu Thai is not extinct anymore.
On 9 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the atmosphere at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters saw party leaders gradually arriving since morning, including Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai; Mr. Prasert Chandraruangthong, Secretary-General; Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, a party leader; and Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai family, who entered through the back door to assess the political situation after the election concluded.
At 13:59 GMT+7, Mr. Julapan Amornwiwat, party leader and Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate, stated that “today is just a discussion meeting.” When asked if there had been any contact about joining the government, Julapan replied, “There has been no discussion yet.”
At 14:12 GMT+7, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, prime ministerial candidate and election director of Pheu Thai, arrived at the party headquarters. He briefly said, “Please wait for the party leaders’ discussions first. Regarding reports that Bhumjaithai would invite Pheu Thai to join the government, wait a moment. Once we have clear information, we will inform you.”
“Chusak” revealed that Bhumjaithai has not yet approached Pheu Thai about joining the government and emphasized the need for careful consideration due to its impact on the political future.
Later, at 15:06 GMT+7, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai, disclosed after the party’s internal meeting that “we have not discussed anything yet. Today, we analyzed how the election turned out, which was below our expectations. We also considered the pros and cons of joining the government but have not made any decisions; it was just listening to opinions.” When asked why Pheu Thai received this level of votes, Chusak said, “There are many factors. Many parties achieved their targets, and it affected Pheu Thai as well.”
Regarding whether Pheu Thai would join a government with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul or if they are waiting for him to reach out or should make a move first, Chusak said, “No discussions have happened yet. There are various opinions about what would happen if we joined the government. We need to listen to many sides, including supporters, because it’s a major decision and may affect the next election. It impacts the political future, so we must decide carefully.”
Most recently, at 15:50 GMT+7, Mr. Julapan was interviewed about the party leaders’ meeting following the unofficial election results placing Pheu Thai third. “Today was not a meeting of the Pheu Thai Executive Committee but a gathering of senior figures discussing the current political situation. We conducted a preliminary review and acknowledged that we must continue working. We admit there is some disappointment, but today we must regroup and uphold the trust given to us by the people to move forward for the public,” Julapan said.
Regarding the election results falling short of expectations, Julapan said: “We had high hopes, but that’s normal. Everyone aims high in elections to achieve as much as possible because we believe our policies benefit the people. However, we respect the people's decision. Now that the votes are cast, we will move forward.”
On the view that joining a government with Bhumjaithai could be better for Pheu Thai because it might boost investor confidence, Julapan commented: “There have been no talks between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai. At this moment, it is up to the party with the highest number of seats in parliament to proceed with forming the government. It is Bhumjaithai’s decision how to proceed and what the government’s composition will be. Pheu Thai will not initiate or act first and will wait and observe the situation.”
When asked if Pheu Thai’s position is open to joining a government with Bhumjaithai, Julapan said, “Actually, we announced during the election campaign that we have no restrictions. However, it depends on ideology, principles, and policy.” When pressed if this means it is possible, he added, “Anything is possible if you ask that way.”
Asked about reasons for Pheu Thai’s heavy election loss, Julapan said, “No, from one perspective, in each area there were varying levels of loss. We must accept that since the government realignment began, we have faced considerable obstacles. I believe we have regrouped quickly and still maintain a significant voter base. We have nearly 80 MPs, which is not insignificant, and we can still work to benefit the people.”
Regarding the party’s two prime ministerial candidates, both from Chiang Mai, failing to secure seats there, and whether this signals the end of Pheu Thai in Chiang Mai, Julapan said, “There is no end. Don’t think the people belong permanently to any party. That has never been the case. Pheu Thai itself has never claimed any area as its own or assumed voters won’t change their minds. When the people make a decision, what we can do is improve ourselves, our policies, and candidates to better meet their needs, then compete again in the next election. I believe Pheu Thai is a political institution that will continue to contest in the next election, which we are already planning and working on.”
On whether Pheu Thai’s candidates and policies do not meet public demands, especially since even Chiang Mai, the Shinawatra family’s home, yielded no seats, Julapan said, “Elections involve many factors beyond candidates and policies, including other elements that the people consider. We must respect the people's decisions.”
Asked if Pheu Thai has assessed external factors explaining why it secured fewer than 100 MPs, Julapan replied, “We have, but I will summarize that later. Today is not the right time to analyze the events in depth because the people have just cast their votes. It is not appropriate to draw conclusions now, and further discussions will be needed.”
When asked about Prime Minister’s admission that nationalism boosted Bhumjaithai’s popularity, while Pheu Thai faced negative impact from the 'Uncle Clip', Julapan said, “That might have played a part among many factors. It is not any single issue but a combination, with varying weight across regions. We have assigned Mr. Prasert Chandraruangthong, Pheu Thai Secretary-General and party list MP candidate, along with myself, to visit areas and analyze each situation, candidate, and factors contributing to our defeat. We will also evaluate strong personnel who secured parliamentary seats to learn lessons so Pheu Thai can come back stronger in the next election.”
Regarding the fact that even strong candidates and areas suffered losses, Julapan admitted, “That can happen; it’s not unusual.” He emphasized, “Pheu Thai is not extinct. With almost 80 MPs, we remain a major party and that is not insignificant.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Pheu Thai’s election director, responded to reporters asking if Bhumjaithai is likely to contact Pheu Thai for government participation. Suriya paused, then asked the reporters, “The party leader has already given an interview; just follow that.”