Chaiyachonok said Bhumjaithai has not invited anyone to join the government but is ready to talk with any party that intends to participate. He revealed Kla Tham has not yet made contact and insisted there will be no division of ministries until the Election Commission certifies the results. He also introduced two small parties supporting Anutin as Prime Minister.
At 11:00 a.m. on 16 Feb 2026 GMT+7 Chaiyachonok Chidchob, Secretary-General of Bhumjaithai Party, gave an interview at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters regarding progress on forming the government. Following rumors that Kla Tham Party would not be invited to join the government, he said, "We declared from the start that we would talk with every party in order, depending on who expresses the intention to work with Bhumjaithai. Everything remains the same, but so far there has been no contact from Kla Tham."
When asked about rumors that Mr. Newin Chidchob, the party leader, had talks with Kla Tham, Chaiyachonok said, "What does Newin have to do with it? Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the party leader, has already announced he will talk with every party and that we must wait for the election results from the Election Commission (EC). This aligns with what was previously stated: so far, Phuea Thai and some small parties have made contact." Asked about rumors that Democrat Party might be brought into the government instead of Kla Tham, Chaiyachonok said it ultimately depends on the election results. The goal is to form the government as quickly as possible, but it depends on how promptly each party expresses intention and decides.
Regarding whether the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives must remain with Bhumjaithai, Chaiyachonok said it depends on the EC's final results, the coalition math, discussions with all parties, and each party's proposals. As for whether the Ministry of Economy must stay with Bhumjaithai, the party policy already designates Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas as Minister of Finance and Ms. Supachai Suthumpun as Minister of Commerce.
As for whether the ministries of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Industry, and Transport must also be retained, Chaiyachonok said this requires further discussion. Bhumjaithai must consider whether the professionals involved are skilled enough to work with anyone. He believes that as long as coalition parties intend to work for the country, collaboration is possible. Similarly, for security-related ministries such as Foreign Affairs or Defense, whoever partners with Bhumjaithai should not cause public concern about security. Previously, Bhumjaithai had 70 seats and could stand firm to protect sovereignty and address national issues. Now with nearly 200 seats, the party's stance remains the same: it will stand firm and work for the country regardless of coalition partners.
Chaiyachonok added that Bhumjaithai has not invited anyone to join the government but has announced readiness to talk with all parties intending to participate. Currently, parties mentioned earlier have made contact. When asked if Phuea Thai approached Bhumjaithai, he confirmed there has been coordination. Regarding rumors that ministerial seats have already been allocated to Phuea Thai—for example, the Ministries of Agriculture and Cooperatives or Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation—he said there has been no division of ministries until election results are confirmed.
At the same time, Chaiyachonok, along with Ms. Nan Boonthida Somchai, party spokesperson, and Mr. Phonphir Suwanchavee, prospective MP for Nakhon Ratchasima from Bhumjaithai, held a press conference to introduce two small parties expressing support for Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul to become Prime Minister. Ms. Nan Boonthida said, "Today, the Phuea Chat Thai Party, with two prospective MPs—Mr. Pongthawat Techadejruangkul, party leader and party-list MP, and Mr. Achinathirat Chattawevorachai, party-list MP—as well as Mr. Preecha Kaikaew, party-list MP and leader of the New Dimension Party, have expressed their intention to support Mr. Anutin in forming the government." Today, Chaiyachonok met and talked with prospective MPs from both parties who have clearly expressed their intention to support Mr. Anutin as Prime Minister after the certification of MPs and once the parliamentary meeting to elect the Prime Minister is convened.