Anutin indicated the matter should proceed according to the process after a singer filed a petition to the Constitutional Court seeking interpretation on whether election ballots containing barcodes are invalid. He mentioned Kla Tham is in line for coalition talks. The party spokesperson clarified that no meeting has been scheduled yet and requested negotiations follow the proper order.
On 13 Feb 2026 at 16:35 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, commented on the Election Commission's (EC) statement that election ballots contain barcodes and stubs which can identify voters, raising concerns the election could be nullified. He said it depends on the EC since the government does not manage elections, and he is unaware of the details about the stubs, adding that ultimately the matter must be resolved by the court.
When asked if clarity requires a petition to the Constitutional Court for interpretation, Anutin said he has not considered that because he is unaware of the issue and its details, as he has been busy all day.
Asked further about the petition already filed to the Constitutional Court, Anutin responded, "Really? Then it must proceed according to the proper steps. The best outcome is through the justice system. The government has fully cooperated to ensure the election proceeds peacefully. However, the government has no role in the election procedures. Everything must comply with the law."
Anutin also revealed that earlier he met with the party's economic team to prioritize policies promised to the public, structuring them as part of drafting the government's policy statement. They invited relevant agencies to review and advise on additions or expansions to ensure consistency. He acknowledged inviting the National Economic and Social Development Council to review the draft policy framework.
Anutin admitted they are close to scheduling a meeting to invite the Kla Tham party to join the government, but it must be done in sequence.
When asked if the invitation would occur tomorrow, Anutin replied tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. However, he did not answer questions analyzing whether Bhumjaithai's government formation equation excludes Kla Tham.
Asked whether coalition partner outreach will conclude this week, Anutin said they are sequentially approaching each remaining party, with Kla Tham next in line.
When asked if invited parties are not necessarily required to join the coalition, Anutin emphasized they must talk to every party.
The party spokesperson clarified that no meeting with Kla Tham has been scheduled yet and requested negotiations proceed in order.
Chaiyachonok Chidchob, Secretary-General of Bhumjaithai Party, along with prospective MPs Nan Boonthida Somchai and others, including Boonruwee Yomjinda from Ruamjai Thai Party, Tawitap Tatsamai from Thai Sap Thawee Party, Surasit Matchachadej, leader of the Mai Party (substituting for its prospective MP), and Apivit Thiprat from Ruamphalang Prachachon Party, met with Bhumjaithai executives to confirm their support for Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister.
Boonruwee stated that as leader of Ruamjai Thai Party, he promised the public that policies will be enthusiastically promoted to serve the people through this government, assuring the public the government will endure.
Regarding rumors that 30 prospective MPs from small parties will support Anutin, Nan said any talks with political parties will be officially announced. She added that other party discussions have been clarified, with the party leader and secretary-general assigned to lead negotiations. Regarding scheduling with Kla Tham, she said it will follow Anutin’s statement that talks will proceed sequentially after the Pheu Thai Party.
There were six small parties and nine prospective MPs at the press conference with Bhumjaithai supporting Anutin as prime minister, including three from the Economic Party, and one each from Ruamjai Thai, Thai Sap Thawee, Mai, Ruamphalang Prachachon, and New Democracy parties.
