Bhumjaithai unveiled Prachachat Party as a coalition partner. Sugarno Mata confirmed it was a unanimous party decision by all five MPs to support the coalition. He explained that Tawee acted in his official capacity as Justice Minister concerning the Khao Kradong and Senate vote-rigging cases, likening politics to sports where players can remain friends after the game.
At 10:30 a.m. on 20 Feb 2026 at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Ms. Nan Bunyathida Somchai, Bhumjaithai spokesperson, said political parties with incoming MPs have agreed to support Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister. Today, the Prachachat Party secretary-general came to express their intention to support Anutin. The formal process awaits certification from the Election Commission, after which details will become clear, following all legal procedures.
Sugarno Mata, Prachachat secretary-general, reported the party's decision to the Bhumjaithai secretary-general and executive committee. After discussions with senior Bhumjaithai figures, Prachachat held an executive meeting and unanimously decided that all five MPs will support Anutin as prime minister. They are ready to cooperate with Bhumjaithai as coalition partners, with the decision made under party consensus.
Since the unanimous decision is that all five Prachachat MPs support Anutin as prime minister, Sugarno said he believes the party will follow this decision and trust party leader Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, who was absent due to personal commitments. Party advisor Wanumohamadnor Mata confirmed that all five MPs are prepared to work with Bhumjaithai.
Regarding past conflicts between Police Colonel Tawee and Bhumjaithai over the Senate vote-rigging case, Sugarno said that while Tawee oversaw the Ministry of Justice as minister, the case was under court consideration. Tawee's official role ended after leaving the coalition. The parties must now work together moving forward. He compared politics to sports—players compete but can be friends after the game. Today’s meeting expresses Prachachat's intention, as a small party in the three southern border provinces, to be part of the coalition and prioritize the people's benefit.
The reason for joining the government, Sugarno said, is that democracy follows majority rule. Since the people chose Bhumjaithai as the main party forming government with the highest votes, and given the goodwill from senior Bhumjaithai members, Prachachat is ready to work prioritizing the people's interests.
Regarding their parliamentary work and voting to support government policies, Sugarno said he trusts all Prachachat members’ discipline. Once in the coalition, they will follow government decisions. If any policy conflicts with religious principles, discussions will occur. Prachachat will not comply with laws conflicting with Islam.
On concerns about calls to annul the election, Sugarno stated that such matters are for the Election Commission and independent election bodies to resolve. Whether the election is annulled or not, their duty in campaigning is complete.
Photo: Thanat Chayaphatruethee