Phai Lik emphasized that the Kla Tham Party has no conditions or demands for joining the government, reaffirming that Thammanat is not attached to any position. He admitted feeling strange as coordinating the coalition appears complicated, stating that it’s unheard of to vote for the prime minister before the cabinet portfolio allocation.
On 19 Feb 2026 GMT+7, during the Kla Tham Party's executive and MP-elect meeting, the media closely watched discussions about whether the party would join the government with Bhumjaithai Party amid rumors that Bhumjaithai might withhold key ministerial seats from Kla Tham.
Around 14:30, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, Kla Tham Party’s advisory chairman, arrived at the party headquarters but took the rear elevator to avoid media interviews. Later, Narumon Pinyosinwat, party leader, also arrived and used the elevator similarly.
At 14:53, Phai Lik, Kla Tham’s MP-elect from Kamphaeng Phet and party secretary, spoke to the media before the executive meeting about government formation. He said there would be talks with MPs-elect and executives on the recent election and to hear opinions. He expected progress after the meeting, stating the party is ready to take on any role.
When asked if MPs-elect would vote on joining the government today, Phai said it was not yet time to vote, just discussions. They would reconsider the approach later since there is still time, as the coalition math is quite far apart and political equations discussed make further moves difficult.
Regarding rumors that Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao would not receive any ministerial position, Phai responded, “I am confident that Thammanat is not attached to anything. Today, we have no conditions or demands, and Thammanat is also not attached to being a minister.”
Asked if Kla Tham would join the government even if Bhumjaithai did not offer any key ministries, Phai affirmed, “Kla Tham does not want any ministry. Whatever Bhumjaithai asks us to do, we are ready to do.”
Regarding Bhumjaithai’s reported request to vote for the prime minister before distributing ministries to coalition parties, Phai said such a scenario does not exist anywhere in the world. He explained that discussions must happen first, and he wants to talk about how things stand. Talks won’t finish today, especially with ongoing issues like vote recounts in some areas and barcode problems on ballots. These issues must be clarified first, and new elections might happen. When asked if this was a signal of something, Phai said, “It’s not a signal but just that nothing is certain. If things are uncertain, you can’t decide prematurely. We know we did well today and thank all citizens who trusted Kla Tham, giving us 58 seats. Now, anything could happen.”
Asked if he had talked with Chaiyachon Chidchob, Bhumjaithai’s secretary-general, Phai said talks were still neutral. He had already conveyed information through the media, making things clear that there is nothing new. Being the smaller party, Kla Tham must initiate contact and coordination.
When pressed on whether Kla Tham would reject this to become opposition, Phai said the opposition doesn’t need to consider it, but noted that government formation this time is more complicated than before. If Bhumjaithai offers anything and Kla Tham accepts, that’s unlikely because the people gave their mandate and votes to those with over 190 seats to form the government. He reiterated Kla Tham has no conditions. Regarding whether the coalition etiquette this time is unusual, Phai admitted it is, citing two main issues: the leading party having many seats and political equations where the People’s Party and Democrat Party have undermined allies by saying they won’t form or vote together, causing complications.
Asked to choose between being opposition or facing new elections, Phai said he would prefer opposition as it is easier. He said he and the public are tired from campaigning and voting. Losers want new elections; winners do not, but candidates pay high costs per campaign, about 1.5 million baht each. He questioned who would compensate if the Election Commission is at fault.
When asked if all the complications stem from the People’s Party and not Bhumjaithai, Phai replied, “It’s not about complications but no place in the world says they won’t join certain groups before voters cast ballots. Then they decide who to choose or not. The Election Commission has not certified results yet. I prefer not to discuss who will get which ministry until there is a government, to avoid demands. The country must move forward; people await hope, and I am glad to have amended the constitution.”
Asked about conditions if Bhumjaithai insisted that Thammanat not be in the coalition, Phai said Thammanat said he doesn’t want any ministry and is not attached to any position. “What else do you want? Don’t blame us for faults. Let’s stop politics and move forward.”
Toward the end of the interview, when asked if he was less stressed, Phai replied, “No, I’m not stressed at all. After today’s meeting, I will go abroad for a vacation.” Reporters teased why the party always flees abroad; Phai responded that he campaigned hard and is tired, so he wants some rest and to travel.