Anutin clearly stated the coalition government is complete, explaining that Kla Party and the Democrat Party are absent because the number of seats is sufficient. He emphasized there is no need for a government exceeding 300 seats and admitted feeling uncomfortable that former allies have become the opposition, but said everything has reasons and cannot be forced to change.
At 14:45 on 12 March 2026, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, in his capacity as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, held a joint press conference with Pheu Thai party leaders, including Mr. Julapan Amornwiwat, party leader; Mr. Chusak Sirinil, deputy leader; and Mrs. Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, deputy leader of Pheu Thai.
Mr. Anutin said that today Pheu Thai, led by its leader and three deputy leaders, submitted the names of individuals the party proposes for the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives to Bhumjaithai. This is in preparation for the official opening of the House on 14 March. It is expected that the first House session will be scheduled afterward, during which nominations for both Speaker and two Deputy Speakers will be presented for a vote. Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai will jointly propose all three names for approval.
There were also discussions on the timeline and subsequent procedures for both parties, though it was not yet appropriate to disclose details. Currently, these are just proposals pending a vote and royal endorsement. Once the Speaker is appointed by royal decree, the next step is to nominate a Prime Minister. Bhumjaithai intends to propose that if forming the government, the coalition will be complete, mainly comprising Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai, and smaller parties, expected to have a suitable number of House members to manage legislative and executive functions and serve the public clearly.
When asked who would be nominated as Speaker and Deputy Speakers, Mr. Anutin laughed and said to wait as it is a matter of protocol.
Asked about the criteria for nominating a Speaker, Mr. Anutin said the person should be knowledgeable and experienced, preferably senior, respected by House members, well-versed in parliamentary rules, regulations, and laws, and accepted by coalition partners.
When asked if the deal is closed at 291 seats, Mr. Anutin replied, "Somewhere around there." When asked if the Kla Party votes to support the Prime Minister candidate, whether Bhumjaithai would bring them into the coalition, he said the coalition is as stated now. Asked again why Kla Party and Democrat Party are not joining, Anutin said the current number is suitable and convenient for parliamentary governance.
Asked if the Deputy Speaker position allocated to Pheu Thai is MP Lertsak Patanachayakul, Mr. Julapan said the names have been submitted to the Prime Minister but will not be disclosed yet. He asked to wait until Sunday, 15 March 2026, as such matters must follow procedures. Whether Pheu Thai will get the second Deputy Speaker position remains to be seen.
Regarding the opposition preparing to attack the Prime Minister on various issues, Mr. Anutin said they are confident they have acted according to the constitution and are ready to clarify. He added that being a public representative means they are ready to respond to ease concerns, as has been the case continuously.
When asked if the names submitted today include only Deputy Speaker positions and no ministerial posts, Mr. Anutin confirmed this, saying the Prime Minister has not even been chosen yet. Asked if the list is final with no returns for reconsideration, he said the Pheu Thai leader proposed them, and he trusts they have been approved by the party's executive committee.
Asked if he had spoken with Major Thammanat Prompao, advisor to the Kla Party, Mr. Anutin said not yet. Asked how he feels that former allies have become opposition, he said he dislikes the feeling but understands there are reasons and it cannot be forced. However, friendship, bonds, and affection remain though they now have different duties. Politics is like this; today, "Noo" and "Nim" are still together. Asked why, despite Kla's initial support, they were not chosen, Mr. Anutin said they never said they chose or did not choose; they simply did not want to lead a government with over 300 seats.
When asked if there will be talks to clear the air after the Prime Minister election, Mr. Anutin asked reporters to handle that. Asked if Pheu Thai's ministerial list is finalized, Mr. Julapan said it is not finished nor submitted yet. The process must proceed step by step: after electing the Speaker and Deputies, then discussing the cabinet structure and nominations. Today, Pheu Thai has resolved to delegate its executive committee to select political officeholders.
When asked if Bhumjaithai has informed Pheu Thai of its quota, Mr. Julapan said this is not their main concern and that everything should follow the proper procedures. Asked if there are problems with Pheu Thai's ministerial list, he said there is no list yet and no problems, then laughed.
Regarding qualifications, there will be a process and steps. When the time comes, the coalition parties will submit names to the Prime Minister, who will forward them to the Cabinet Secretary for background checks with 18 agencies. Therefore, there is no need to worry. Unless there is a legal obstacle, there should be no problems.
Asked if Pheu Thai has full discretion over quotas, Mr. Anutin said not to ask such questions yet as they have not even started working together. The main points are set, and further discussions are needed. Past disagreements that led to conflicts should be avoided to prevent returning to those points.
Asked if Bhumjaithai is confident this government formation will avoid ethical issues affecting the Prime Minister's position, Mr. Anutin said everything must comply with the constitution and Constitutional Court rulings, which serve as guidelines binding organizations and individuals. All nominees undergo random checks. If some names pass but Bhumjaithai dislikes a candidate and asks coalition partners to replace them, he firmly said no. It is the coalition partners' right to work together in serving the nation, not personal interests.