Revealing the background of Bhumjaithai's talks with Pheu Thai, denying rumors of a deal involving five ministries. The meeting was only to congratulate and support Anutin as prime minister. It is expected that discussions with the Kla and Democrat parties will occur after the Election Commission certifies the results. Some incoming MPs have expressed concern about Anutin facing impeachment.
On 16 Feb 2026, a report came from the Bhumjaithai Party. Regarding Pheu Thai leaders, led by Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, prime minister candidate, meeting Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai leader and prime minister candidate, on 13 Feb, the meeting was only to congratulate Bhumjaithai and express support for Anutin as prime minister. There were no talks about dividing ministries in a coalition as rumors suggested Pheu Thai proposed five ministries. These are: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Because discussions must be held sequentially with political parties, once each party's demands are known, they will be brought for consideration by Bhumjaithai's executive committee.
On that day, Bhumjaithai leaders told Pheu Thai leaders that Bhumjaithai wishes to oversee security ministries and the entire economic sector to ensure unified work according to policies announced to the public, a source said. Currently, Bhumjaithai is open to all parties working together for the people. Talks with Kla and Democrat parties have not yet begun, but are likely after the Election Commission officially certifies the election results.
Therefore, rumors that Ms. Supachai Suthammanun will serve as deputy prime minister and commerce minister, overseeing agriculture and cooperatives, are premature. Government formation and ministerial allocations will be decided after voting to support Anutin as prime minister in the House of Representatives.
However, in a meeting of 193 incoming Bhumjaithai MPs on 12 Feb, Anutin explained the plan to invite political parties in order of vote share, including Pheu Thai, Kla, and Democrat parties, but excluding the People’s Party because it intends to be opposition.
At this meeting, several incoming Bhumjaithai MPs expressed discomfort about joining a government with the Kla party, fearing that a petition might be filed with the Constitutional Court to impeach the prime minister if Kla’s leaders, some with controversial legal and behavioral histories, are appointed.
Regarding the Speaker of the House position, expected to be the first agenda in the inaugural parliamentary session, Mr. Sophon Sarum, a multiple-term incoming MP from Buriram, remains an option but no decision has been finalized. Sources acknowledged Mr. Sophon as a suitable choice due to his political experience as a longtime MP and former minister. However, other capable and experienced MPs, including young representatives with parliamentary experience, are also suitable candidates. The first deputy speaker position will be allocated to Bhumjaithai. The party’s executive committee will make the final decisions.