Chaiwat offers Lunar New Year wishes for 2026, hoping all Thai people will achieve their desires throughout the Year of the Golden Horse. He believes the "Golden Rat Government" will promptly revive the economy and combat corruption. He urges the Election Commission to accelerate the MP certification process so that the parliamentary opening and prime ministerial election can truly take place.
At 08:00 on 16 February 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Chaiwat Thanakamanusorn, leader of the Rakchat Party, wore a red shirt to celebrate Lunar New Year and offered his wishes: "Happy Lunar New Year. I wish all Thai people prosperity and success in all their endeavors. May everyone have great happiness throughout this Year of the Golden Horse."
Chaiwat further stated that regarding the government formation under the leadership of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), it is now clear that Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, will become the new national leader. This year is considered the Year of the Golden Horse, and we are about to have a prime minister named “Nhu” (Rat), making it also the Year of the Golden Rat. This should improve the economy as everyone hopes, with policies and measures quickly implemented to stimulate the economy, generate income, and create benefits for the people.
Regarding corruption, it remains a major problem that the public is tired of in Thai politics. Historically, corruption and political patronage have been rampant. I urge Prime Minister Nhu to resolve this issue, as the public places great hope in addressing corruption. Importantly, if corruption is resolved and the economy is boosted successfully, I believe this government will be stable and strong, and no one will be able to oust it.
The Rakchat Party leader also revealed that in about two months, the new government is expected to be fully operational. After the Election Commission certifies the parliamentary election results, a parliamentary session will be held to elect the speaker. Once royal endorsement is granted, the parliament will convene to vote on the prime minister.
"I am confident this entire process will definitely happen because the Bhumjaithai Party has already secured a parliamentary majority, making government formation certain."
At the end, Chaiwat emphasized that the Election Commission must expedite the MP certification process as scheduled to enable the parliamentary opening and prime ministerial election to proceed without doubts over electoral fraud. If there are complaints or issues, they should be promptly resolved and explained to build public confidence. For cases of electoral fraud or election law violations, investigations should be accelerated, whether issuing warnings, disqualifications, or conducting re-elections in affected areas, so the election results can be finalized quickly.