Anutin clearly stated he will not take charge of the Defense Ministry, saying that as Prime Minister he already has control. He confirmed that the Bhumjaithai Party seminar is just an orientation for new MPs after their numbers increased from more than 70 to 192. He joked that activities will include breaking the ice and a dance called the 'grilled chicken being roasted'.
On 2 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at Government House, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was asked about the current security situation involving internal and external threats, and whether he planned to personally oversee the military and security agencies. He replied that the Prime Minister already has control. When asked if it would be more effective for him to serve as Defense Minister, Anutin said that even if he does not hold the position, he still supervises the Defense Minister because he oversees that ministry.
When further asked if he intends to continue overseeing the Ministry of Interior, Anutin replied that it will be decided later, after the official certification of the MPs, the election of the Speaker of the House, and the appointment of the Prime Minister are completed. He emphasized that it is premature to discuss cabinet positions since they are appointed by royal decree. He explained that such announcements are not within the Prime Minister's authority, whose role is only to submit nominations to the King, so it is strictly forbidden to speak on these matters prematurely.
Regarding the upcoming Bhumjaithai Party MP meeting on 8 March in Buriram Province, and whether it will reveal which parties will join the government coalition, Anutin said it is unrelated. The 8 March meeting is just an orientation for Bhumjaithai MPs, as the party’s number of MPs has grown from about 70 to 192. The session aims to foster familiarity and closeness among members, featuring both academic presentations and recreational activities, including a dance called the 'grilled chicken being roasted'.
When asked if the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives has coordinated to schedule the parliamentary session for electing the Speaker, Anutin said to wait a little longer.