The parliamentary session has begun urgent consideration to vote for the new prime minister. Bhumjaithai Party nominated "Anutin," while the People's Party proposed "Natthapong." The vote will be by roll call.
At 10:00 on 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Parliament building, during the 27th House of Representatives, 1st Year, 2nd session (1st ordinary session), chaired by Speaker Sophon Sarum, urgent business was considered: approval of a suitable person to be appointed prime minister under Section 159 of Thailand's Constitution. Chaiyanon Chidchop, Bhumjaithai Party list MP, nominated Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul for prime minister. Rangsiman Rome, People's Party list MP, nominated Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut.
At around 11:45, Mr. Natthapong stated in debate that the People's Party's nomination of himself was not intended to form a competing government, as the government was already formed on the night of 8 Feb 2026. The People's Party has never attempted to form a competing government and urged members to uphold the principle that the first-ranked party after elections should have the right to form the government.RightTo form the government first.
Mr. Natthapong also addressed the government's legitimacy, mentioning civil servant transfers before the election. Although Bhumjaithai Party says elections are the responsibility of the Election Commission, legitimacy could be restored by managing their own party’s personnel. For example, in Suphanburi District 2, the Provincial Waterworks Authority did not show voters the ballots, leading to a recount differing by over one hundred votes, raising questions whether similar incidents occurred elsewhere. He believed these actions were not done arbitrarily.
Meanwhile, the Middle East conflict and the Thai-Cambodian border tensions inevitably affect people's livelihoods. The root cause, however, is corruption in major sectors, which has spread to agriculture with foreign trading houses. The more farmers plant, the poorer and more indebted they become. Thailand has become a country where those with more money have a better quality of life.
What I want to conclude with is our belief that working for the people requires political will, the courage to confront and scrutinize our own members, and that we are not here for political business. Past problems have accumulated and will continue to harm the people. I accept today’s results and hope the next prime minister works for the people as much as possible. I believe in our approach to governance and ask everyone not to lose hope in our country. Regardless of political methods chosen, please help monitor and oversee. Today, the People's Party will continue its duties. I ask members to trust in their work. I do not know if this will be my last debate, but I will continue in this manner.
At 12:03, Mr. Anutin spoke in debate, thanking all members who nominated him for prime minister. Regardless of whether MPs from any party support him or not, in his heart, every MP's voice is equally important, and he is ready to listen to advice if given the chance to serve as head of government. He assured all parliament members that he would work collaboratively with all MPs for the greatest benefit of the country and its people. He pledged to honor the royal speech given at the parliament opening on 14 Mar, and considers all colleagues as good friends, sharing the country’s and people's interests. If entrusted as prime minister, he and his team will fully support legislative work. Whatever the outcome, he accepts the decision of all members. He thanked those who had previously supported him as prime minister in September, noting that even as a minority government, it was not a barrier to solving people's problems. His government will continue to manage the country for maximum benefit.
Then, Speaker Sophon explained the procedure, inviting six members to count the votes. Next, names would be called in order, with MPs standing to state their approval of a candidate. Any changes must be made during the voting. The Speaker then called for a quorum check before proceeding with the roll-call vote.