Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul remained relaxed eating khanom krok and guava with preserved plum outside the Sparrow's Nest at Government House, avoiding reporters and not responding to questions about removing the 'Kla Tham' party from the government after rumors of a 292-vote coalition deal.
At 13:00 on 26 February 2026, after Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul returned from having lunch at P. Sriyan Noodle Shop to Government House, he got out of his car and stopped by the press room at Government House (the Sparrow's Nest), where he sat and ate khanom krok and guava with preserved plum that he had bought from Sriyan Market.
When reporters asked about the Election Commission's (EC) announcement confirming 396 constituency MPs, Anutin said this matter is unrelated to the government. However, political parties must prepare documents for their MPs and have them report to the parliament within the designated time. As for when the parliamentary session will open, he said that is up to the parliament to schedule.
Regarding his earlier statement about whether, once the EC officially certifies election results, there would be a quick move to form the government, Anutin did not answer and instead deflected by inviting reporters to eat khanom krok.
During this, when reporters pressed on whether the Kla Tham party would join the government coalition, Anutin took a bite of khanom krok and then stood up, leaving the interview circle to walk toward the Thai Khu Fah Building.
Reporters continued asking if the support of 292 votes would close the deal to form the government. Anutin replied, "Nothing has been opened yet."
When asked if the government formation must proceed quickly now that the EC has certified the election results, Anutin said everything follows the process: certification of MPs, the formal opening of the parliamentary session, votes for the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, and then the appointment of the Cabinet.
Reporters asked again if forming the government team beforehand is considered a good practice. Anutin replied, "There are many different ways."
Regarding the Prime Minister's earlier indication that he would work decisively in a single move, Anutin turned back and responded, "We are prepared," before walking back up to the Thai Khu Fah Building.