Anutin keeps government formation plans undisclosed, saying he will wait for the Election Commission to certify the election results 100%. He guarantees the cabinet’s composition will be better than before, citing the responsibility to the voters who have kindly bestowed their votes. He does not comment on combining the prime minister and defense minister roles himself.,
At 14:10 on 11 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Chanvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, commented on rumors about whether he would serve simultaneously as Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, saying the vote count is not yet complete, currently at about 92-93%. When asked if the Bhumjaithai Party meeting on 12 Feb would have any special agenda, Anutin said no, it is just to invite those who unofficially know they won to discuss how things are going, any shortcomings, and what should be improved.
. When asked whether the government coalition would be visible this week, Anutin said they intend not to take any action until the Election Commission confirms the vote count is 100% complete, so they can proceed with confidence to the next steps. When asked if he already has a preferred coalition party, Anutin said he wants to see the clear number of MPs first. Even for Bhumjaithai, early evening on 8 Feb, it looked like they would get 180 constituency MPs, but now it’s down to 173-174, so the numbers are not yet stable.
Regarding whether he has a government formation formula in mind, Anutin said he is trying to clear his mind first because he still has the duty as prime minister to govern during this period. He cannot just spend time thinking about his own or his party’s seats. There is also the ongoing situation in the southern border provinces with occasional incidents, but fortunately, security agencies and civilians cooperate well. He wants the public to be confident that even during election times, the government does not stop serving the people. When asked about how many MPs are needed for a stable government, Anutin said he will study carefully, drawing on past information about what makes governance smooth or causes obstacles and risks. He still has time to think until the Election Commission announces the results.
. On whether he is confident that the upcoming government’s composition will be as good as the current one, Anutin replied it must be better than before. If the public believes the current government’s personnel are competent and commendable, he cannot let things get worse. He is determined to make things better. Given the votes entrusted by the people, he cannot act selfishly or frivolously. He must respond to the confidence and kindness of the voters.
