Thammanat says he has not yet talked with Narumon after photos appeared with Anutin, stressing there have been no discussions about coalition formation or ministry division. He advises focusing on election ballot issues first, boasts about having been in opposition before and performing well, and explains he travels to Europe every year.
At 09:35 on 18 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, also serving as chairman of the advisory board of the Kla Tham Party (KTP), gave an interview at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives regarding photos showing Ms. Narumon Phinyosinwat, Minister of Education and leader of the Kla Tham Party, speaking with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), in Songkhla Province. When asked if he had spoken with Narumon yet, Thammanat said they had not spoken because he attended an event last night and came home late.
Reporters asked why Thammanat did not attend the royal cremation ceremony in Songkhla on 17 February. He said he had canceled last week due to work commitments. When asked about the current status of talks, Thammanat said, he still insists there is nothing new. What happened last week was as stated by Mr. Chaichon Chidchob, secretary-general of Bhumjaithai Party—nothing more than that. As for Kla Tham Party, on 19 February there will be a meeting of prospective members of parliament (MPs) before he travels to Europe. Right now, his mind focuses only on the green light issue, not on anything else.
Regarding rumors that Kla Tham Party might not join the government and instead become opposition, Thammanat said everything comes from the media, and he does not know the sources. For his part, he remains in position and leaves it to Narumon and Mr. Phai Lik to handle.
When asked if he had spoken with Phai after talks with Chaichon about government appointments, Thammanat said, he never discusses matters publicly; any talks occur privately among friends. Most discussions last week were public, but private talks have not been deep yet. If he were the coalition leader, he would not discuss details yet because it is too early. Talking too much before the list MPs are finalized could undermine public confidence in the government.
On the issue of Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham being seen as allies, Thammanat said they meet every Tuesday anyway, so there is no need to talk publicly. Regarding the announcement at the Pheu Thai Party press conference about an alliance, he firmly denied Kla Tham ever did that. He also asked reporters, “Has Kla Tham ever done that?”
When asked if Kla Tham would wait for Bhumjaithai to initiate talks, Thammanat said they are in a two-party government with Bhumjaithai. Other parties are not in government, so he wants the media to focus on the election problems the Election Commission will address, such as ballot misprints and barcode issues. These matters deserve more attention than government formation. Whether the government forms quickly or slowly, there is still a government managing the country.
Thammanat also said he did not decide to travel abroad due to the political situation but had planned for years to take his family to see the green light. He is not serious or stressed and can be seen giving relaxed interviews, unlike before. When asked if this Europe trip was for a mental break, he said he travels every year at this time for rest. He chose 19 February for the party meeting.
Asked if the Kla Tham party meeting would provide clear answers, Thammanat said, party meetings are normal after elections to congratulate those who passed and meet second- and third-tier members. They do not abandon anyone; that is not his style. He confirmed no coalition talks have occurred because the election atmosphere is still ongoing. The party will advise prospective MPs on what to watch out for during constituency visits, as many are excited and forget rules.
Asked if Kla Tham not controlling the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives would affect the party's work, Thammanat replied, if they fixate on ministries, they will worry too much, but as MPs and a political party, they can operate continuously. In the past eight years, he has been in opposition and performed well.
When pressed if being in opposition would not hinder the party's work, Thammanat said, a politician’s success depends on election results. He always says he represents grassroots people in parliament. If in government, he can implement policies concretely, but if not, they must push progress through parliament.
Thammanat also addressed media reports claiming ministry quota divisions have been agreed upon, saying, no discussions have taken place. He urged not to interpret news that way and said he does not know where the sources come from but personally denies any such talks. .