Anutin emphasized that there have been no talks about forming a government yet, stating the need to listen to the people's voice and that one cannot go against their wishes. He expressed confidence in serving the full four-year term and criticized the Pheu Thai Party for always alleging irregularities whenever they lose. He also revealed plans to discuss the cancellation of MOU 44 in the Cabinet meeting today.,
At 10:00 a.m. on 10 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior as well as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, spoke about the process before selecting the Prime Minister and whether the Parliament Speaker must be a quota of Bhumjaithai. He said that with only about 90 percent of votes counted, it's too early to rush decisions. He prefers to proceed step by step and does not like to speak on matters not yet confirmed by the Election Commission, which oversees the rules.
Regarding criteria for screening 'gray area' ministers in the Cabinet, Anutin said they must listen to the people's voice. The public elected Bhumjaithai with over 190 unofficial votes, so the people's decisions must be respected. However, now is not the time to discuss this, and even if there were proceedings, they cannot be disclosed yet.
When asked if government stability requires more than 300 votes, Anutin stressed the need to wait until all party membership is finalized. Calculations for party-list MPs are still ongoing due to many small parties, so he urged patience until the vote counts stabilize.
Regarding whether Bhumjaithai’s 190 seats will enable the government to last four years, given analyses suggesting internal factionalism might cause instability, Anutin laughed and asked which academic said that. He stated he has no worries, knowing his own work method does not involve illegal, unethical, or unpopular actions, and he will never do so.
Asked if he is confident in managing coalition partners to think alike, Anutin replied that he cannot say yet until the MP numbers are settled but affirmed he can control the government as Prime Minister. If he cannot, then the coalition cannot function. He emphasized the people have entrusted Bhumjaithai with significant administrative power.
When questioned about concerns that having many large factions in the coalition might cause infighting over benefits, Anutin responded that having big factions is good and that small factions are also needed. He asked why having big factions is bad, explaining it means trust and reliability for the people. Every party has big factions. He believes government stability depends on work performance, not just numbers. He recalled past experiences in minority governments successfully pushing policies and expects this to be a majority government. He also affirmed he will drive cautiously and within speed limits, learning from past experience.
Anutin expressed confidence that a government led by Bhumjaithai will last the full four years, delivering results rapidly that respond to the people and the nation, and gain international acceptance. Therefore, the government must be strong and work effectively.
Regarding Pheu Thai’s allegations of many irregularities in this election, Anutin said that those who lose always claim irregularities, while winners never do.
On the calls for a vote recount, Anutin said this is part of the process since the government did not organize the election. Accusing irregularities would be accusing the Election Commission, as the government is not involved except to coordinate for smooth operations. Even now, the Prime Minister does not yet know the exact MP numbers per party because the count is incomplete.
Anutin also mentioned plans to move forward with canceling MOU 44, which will be discussed in today's Cabinet meeting. He instructed relevant ministries and agencies to proceed toward announcing the cancellation. Although not yet a caretaker government, preparations must be made. He ordered all units to prepare because there has been no progress with MOU 44, so keeping it is pointless.
When asked about rumors that the Kla Party would not be included in the coalition, Anutin did not answer directly but said, "Okay," and immediately proceeded to chair the Cabinet meeting.