Anutin affirmed that ministerial qualifications must be rigorous, adhering to the Constitutional Court's standards. He denied dropping the names Surya and Somsak from ministerial positions, saying no discussions have taken place yet.
On 26 February 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior as well as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed rumors of excluding Surya Jungrungreangkit, a prime ministerial candidate, and Somsak Thepsuthin, a leader of the Pheu Thai Party, from Pheu Thai’s ministerial quota. He said there has been no discussion with any party about this, whether regarding ministries or any other matters.
When asked if selecting ministers must consider qualifications following the Constitutional Court ruling on cases involving former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Poomtham Vejjajai and former Minister of Justice Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, related to interference in the Senate election published in the Royal Gazette on 19 February, Anutin said definitely.
When pressed whether that ruling means vetting qualifications must be stricter, Anutin replied that it will be much stricter than before.