Putting to rest rumors of a secret deal, the Bhumjaithai Party denies reports of dividing three ministries to Kla Tham, affirming that discussions on ministerial shares will only occur after the prime ministerial vote concludes.
At 10:00 p.m. on 18 February 2026, reporters from the Bhumjaithai Party reported that tomorrow (19 Feb) at 10:00 a.m., Chaiyachon Chidchob, Secretary-General of Bhumjaithai, and Nan Boonthida Somchai, party spokesperson, will hold a press conference to introduce two small parties joining the government: Thai Sang Thai with 2 seats and New Alternatives with 1 seat, adding 3 small-party seats. Combined with previously announced parties, this will bring Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government to a total of 281 seats.
Meanwhile, a senior source from Bhumjaithai publicly refuted social media rumors that circulated late at night about a coalition deal with Kla Tham involving allocation of three major ministries—Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Social Development and Human Security; and Labor—saying, “This is not true.”
At the same time, sources from Kla Tham confirmed that since the election ended, Captain Thammanat Prompao, Chairman of Kla Tham’s Advisory Board, has not contacted or met with Anutin or any key Bhumjaithai leaders even once. All eyes are now on Kla Tham’s party meeting tomorrow (19 Feb) to see its decision on supporting a prime ministerial candidate from the blue party.