Suthep pointed out that whether he stays as minister in the same ministry depends on the senior leaders of the Bhumjaithai Party. He emphasized it is the prime minister’s authority. He expects that with 95% of MPs present, the House can convene and the government can be formed according to the timeline. He stressed that due to the Middle East war, a full-power government is necessary.
At 11:00 a.m. on 5 Mar 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Suthep Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, serving as an MP for Chonburi from the Bhumjaithai Party, gave an interview at the party headquarters regarding clarity on whether he will keep his current position in the next government. He said that positions depend on the senior party members and policies from party executives. First, the Speaker of the House must be elected, then the prime minister, before proceeding to form the Cabinet. The prime minister alone has the authority to appoint ministers. Although reports indicate many ministers will keep their current posts, anyone given a role by party leadership is ready to serve in any assigned capacity, depending on the trust of senior party members.
When asked about the timeline for Cabinet formation, Suthep said it is expected that once 95% of party-list MPs—about 475 members—have reported, the parliamentary session can open. This is the legislative branch’s work. Everything is proceeding according to the timeline: how many days until the parliament opens, how many days to elect the prime minister.
Asked if he might receive a new or the same role, Suthep responded that he has worked well with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior. The prime minister has given him opportunities and freedom to work, which he appreciates. Whether he continues in an executive role is still speculative. He advised not to focus on clinging to positions, but rather on the prime minister’s authority to appoint the Cabinet and the suitability of the government.
Suthep added that with global instability, it is necessary to have a Cabinet because an acting government cannot fully manage issues like budgets and emergency funds. A full-power elected government can form teams and allocate emergency budgets amid fighting in the Middle East. He urged the public to be aware of the impacts from the war. An acting government’s capacity is limited and may not fully provide relief to those directly affected, such as in exports or energy. The prime minister has prepared responses to handle these challenges.
