Thammanat insists he has not yet discussed government formation with the Prime Minister, emphasizing the situation remains chaotic with widespread student and faculty activism. He points out the government should remain calm for now and reveals plans for an extended vacation in Europe, saying the trip was planned long ago.
At 13:50 on 17 Feb 2026 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, also chairman of the Kla Party advisory board, spoke about Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul's statement that talks on forming the government have occurred. Thammanat reiterated that it is still too early, as the situation remains chaotic with issues surrounding election ballots—barcodes, QR codes, and ballot irregularities. He said, echoing the Prime Minister, they are awaiting clarity because many problems remain to be solved, especially with student and faculty groups actively protesting. Therefore, the government should stay steady and focus on work for now.
When asked if talks had taken place today, Lt. Col. Thammanat said, “No talks.” Pressed on the PM's claim that discussions had occurred, he reaffirmed that he had not talked with the PM. Instead, he delegated Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, head of the Kla Party, and party secretary Pai Lik to meet the Prime Minister, as Narumon was already scheduled to meet him in Songkhla that afternoon. He said others should remain in place to avoid confusion from conflicting statements. He stressed the importance of caution to maintain public confidence in government stability and that this government should complete its full term. He added that each party’s support for the PM is clear and normal in politics and cautioned the media not to misinterpret the situation.
He said he was not going to Songkhla with the PM due to other obligations and that there was no underlying issue.
When asked if he personally would not travel to Songkhla, despite previous reports he might, Lt. Col. Thammanat said he had initially planned to go but had a morning commitment that might cause him to miss his flight. He had originally booked to travel with Narumon. He confirmed there was no issue, just schedule conflicts, and that he had taken leave from the cabinet meeting that morning. Asked about Pai’s statement that Thammanat and the PM would talk at the cabinet meeting but both missed it, Thammanat said both had separate obligations and there was no issue. Asked if the PM and Narumon would talk in Songkhla, he said he was unsure, adding it might be inappropriate to have such discussions at a royal funeral event.
Asked about the party meeting on 19 Feb and whether it had any special agenda, Thammanat said since he would be traveling abroad that night, he planned to meet all party MPs to outline the direction of the party during his absence, with the party leader and secretary taking charge. He said official confirmation of MPs depends on the Election Commission. He cautioned that all actions must comply with election laws, given the current royal decree on elections, and urged care to avoid legal violations.
When asked if the party meeting would reach conclusions before his departure, Thammanat said it was a meeting with party MPs, many of whom were his or Chalermchai Sri-on’s supporters, totaling 58 people. They needed to build trust and hear from the party leader and secretary during his absence. He expressed a desire to celebrate their success but said election law issues remained delicate. Many candidates who came in second would also need support. Regardless of ranking, he would continue to care for these members and the party must keep moving forward.
Asked about his trip abroad, including destination, duration, and purpose, Thammanat said it was a long-planned personal vacation, arranged a year ago—not a sudden decision. When asked if it might extend until the end of February, he said it might. He noted the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives still had a deputy minister in place during his absence.