Phai Lik has clearly admitted that Bhumjaithai did not invite Glatham Party to join the government. He affirmed that Glatham Party is not attached to any positions and declared that if given a choice, no one wants to be in the opposition. He emphasized that Chonnaphat is ready to clarify after being accused.
On 9 March 2026, Mr. Phai Lik, Secretary-General of Glatham Party, spoke on the program “Open Up with Phakphum” about government formation and Bhumjaithai's stance. He stated that the current clarity is actually "uncertainty" because there has been no signal from Bhumjaithai Party, even though the House of Representatives has not yet convened and there is still time before the prime ministerial vote. However, this silence likely reflects something already. He reiterated that Glatham Party has always respected the party with the most votes in forming the government.
Mr. Phai further said that if there was genuine intent to continue working together in government after about four months of caretaker work, it would not be this quiet. He confirmed Glatham Party is not attached to any ministerial positions or ministries and has no conditions for joining the government. If given the choice, no one wants to be opposition, but if ultimately assigned the opposition role, the party is ready to continue working.
"There have been rumors that our party has many conditions, which is untrue. We are not attached to the Ministry of Agriculture or any other ministry, with no conditions whatsoever. Allowing such misunderstandings would harm public perception of us," he said. Mr. Phai also said he had personally spoken with Col. Thammanat Phromphao, who confirmed he was not attached to any ministerial position and even joked with him that "he wanted to be the Speaker of the House."
Mr. Phai also stated that previously he contacted Mr. Chaichon Chidchob, Secretary-General of Bhumjaithai Party, to confirm that Glatham Party has no conditions, and received a reply saying "We will get back to you," but after that, there was no progress, which is now quite clear. He admitted he does not know the real reason why Bhumjaithai Party did not invite Glatham Party to join the government. The earlier reports, whether concerning political competition areas or Col. Thammanat's qualifications, likely are not the problem.
"Regarding Col. Thammanat's qualifications, he has previously been appointed minister, and we have said that if there is an obstacle, he need not serve. These matters require discussion and negotiation," Mr. Phai said. ,
When asked by reporters if it might be due to personal conflicts, Mr. Phai said he did not know but admitted that from the current situation it is 99.99% clear. Regarding Mr. Jatuporn Prompan's view that Bhumjaithai might risk aligning with Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Phai agreed, adding that if Glatham Party does not join the government this time, it likely will not join next time either.
Regarding speculation that Mr. Chonnaphat Naksua, MP for Songkhla's 4th district, has been accused of money laundering and involvement with online gambling, Mr. Phai said he had spoken with Mr. Chonnaphat, who confirmed it is an old case. Currently, he is only an accused person and, under law and the constitution, still has the right to run for election and must be given the chance to defend himself through the justice process.
Regarding reports that on 12 March Mr. Chonnaphat might not attend the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) interrogation and might submit documents instead due to parliamentary meetings, Mr. Phai said they had briefly talked and that Mr. Chonnaphat confirmed no problem and is ready to clarify according to procedures.