Anutin pointed out that every party must be able to perform various roles after Kla Tham declared itself the opposition, stating firmly.The Phumjaithai Partyhas also been in opposition before, citing Constitutional Court rulingsby the Constitutional Courton ministerial appointments, which have established criteria. He prefers to play it safe and declined to comment on the issue of having previously appointed Thammanat as minister.
On 8 Mar 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Chang International Circuit in Buriram Province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and leader of the Phumjaithai Party, spoke about statements by Mr. Chaichon Chidchob, Phumjaithai Party Secretary-General, who said government formation is already over 99.99% complete. Regarding Kla Tham Party's next steps, Anutin said this matter has not been discussed yet and asked to wait for the proper procedures. On 14 Mar 2026, the royal ceremony to open the first session of the House of Representatives will take place to elect the Speaker, and forming the cabinet will follow as the next step.
When asked if ministerial positions have been allocated yet, Anutin said that first the prime minister must be appointed before the cabinet can be formed. Speaking prematurely is inappropriate since these positions require royal endorsement. Discussing them before this stage is improper.
When further asked about forming a government before officially announcing coalition parties, Anutin responded immediately that each person need not act like others, as different political parties have their own styles and preferred ways of working.
When pressed whether Kla Tham would support the prime minister vote if necessary, Anutin said there are prior processes to follow, emphasizing that the Speaker of the House must be elected first. Regarding talks with potential supporters, he said there will be some level of discussion.
Asked if it is possible to govern without a coalition, Anutin said not to jump to conclusions and to wait as that has not happened yet.
When asked about the principles guiding invitations to coalition parties, Anutin said the focus is on working together for the people and the country to move forward collectively.
Regarding Kla Tham Secretary-General MP Phai Likhit’s announcement that they are ready to be opposition, Anutin said political parties must be ready for all roles. Phumjaithai has also been in government and then opposition. What matters most is that as representatives, they can benefit the country regardless of their role. Even People’s Party MPs, who have always been opposition and never government, have contributed greatly. Therefore, one should not fixate on whether a party is government or opposition.
On the matter of Lt. Col. Thammanat Phromphao, list MP and Kla Tham Party’s chief advisor, declaring he will no longer approach Phumjaithai out of pride, Anutin exclaimed "Ouch" before saying that as party leaders, mutual respect and honor are essential.
When asked about his comment at a party seminar that he would not use individuals whose qualifications are questionable, Anutin replied that the Constitutional Court’s rulings clearly set criteria. He is not making rules himself, but these rulings bind all institutions and must be adhered to.
Asked if this was a clear signal that Kla Tham would not be invited to join the government, Anutin said they are not speaking so specifically but acknowledged that there are rules and Constitutional Court criteria regarding ethics that must be read carefully. They must avoid violations because complaints can be filed regardless of intent, and he does not want to waste time fighting such cases. Therefore, they must play it safe in all matters.
When asked about Lt. Col. Thammanat’s claim that Anutin had previously appointed him as minister, why he now hesitates to do so, Anutin did not answer. Regarding whether he has talked with Thammanat, Anutin said he has not spoken with him at all.
Photo: Saran Pongsawat