Abhisit explained the Democrat Party’s position to abstain from voting for Prime Minister, pointing out that Anutin faces accusations in a Senate vote-rigging case, while Nattapong has a case referred by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). He denied that this was a delay tactic to join the government soon thereafter. Tags: [Democrat Party, Prime Minister Vote, Anutin Charnvirakul, Nattapong, National Anti-Corruption Commission, Political Ethics]
At 11:04 a.m. on 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7Tags: [Date, Time, Political Event] Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat PartyTags: [Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party, Political Leader] He spoke after Mr. Chulaphan Amornwiwat, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, regarding the consideration of persons suitable for appointment as Prime Minister under Article 159 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand before today's vote. He stated that the House of Representatives’ Code of Ethics, Article 16, requires members and committee members to consider and approve appointments based on knowledge, ability, and ethical behavior of the individual.Tags: [Constitution, Article 159, Parliamentary Ethics, Appointment Process, Prime Minister]
He emphasized that ethical behavior must be considered, as specified in the constitution, requiring the Prime Minister to be demonstrably honest and free from serious violations of ethical standards.Tags: [Ethics, Constitution, Prime Minister Qualifications, Integrity]
“Regarding Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, unfortunately during the recent election campaign I did not have the chance to hear his vision. I heard quite a bit from Mr. Nattapong Rueangpanyawut, and that day I tended to be more persuaded by Mr. Chulaphan’s remarks about Mr. Anutin than by what was said earlier.”Tags: [Anutin Charnvirakul, Nattapong Rueangpanyawut, Election Campaign, Political Debate]
Mr. Abhisit then explained the reasons the Democrat Party cannot approve the nomination ofTags: [Democrat Party Position, Nomination, Political Reasoning] Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai PartyTags: [Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party, Political Leader] He cited legal cases as the basis, noting that ethics is not purely a legal judgment. He clarified that he was not commenting on whether accusations are true or false but rather on whether the nominee’s current status merits approval as Prime Minister. The Democrat Party’s stance is clear: they seek to establish honest politics. During various forums, both parties agreed that political responsibility and standards must be higher than legal standards.Tags: [Ethics vs. Law, Political Responsibility, Democrat Party Stance, Legal Cases]
The main issue preventing approval is the Senate vote-rigging case, which is serious enough to undermine democratic governance as intended by the constitution.Tags: [Senate Vote-Rigging, Democratic Governance, Constitutional Principles] If senators lack political neutrality and are subject to party or politician influence, their role in appointing independent agencies is compromised, leading to biased agencies unable to properly scrutinize the executive or political parties.Tags: [Senate Neutrality, Independent Agencies, Political Influence, Checks and Balances]
The Democrat leader continued that Mr. Anutin is currently accused by two agencies. The first is the Election Commission (EC), which referred the allegations to its 26th investigative subcommittee. This subcommittee has detailed the accusations and informed all involved parties, including Mr. Anutin. Although he did not specify the charges, he clarified the political party’s planned actions regarding the Senate appointment process violated multiple laws. This subcommittee concluded that the accused, including Mr. Anutin, violated laws governing the Senate’s formation.Tags: [Election Commission, Investigations, Legal Violations, Senate Appointment, Anutin Charnvirakul]
Public suspicion has grown since normally, after an investigative subcommittee finishes, cases are referred to one of 35 adjudicating subcommittees in order. However, the EC created a new 36th subcommittee specifically for this case. This prompted a lawsuit against the EC for improper action at the Criminal Court for Corruption Cases, with a decision expected next month.Tags: [Election Commission, Investigative Procedures, Lawsuit, Corruption Court]
“Certainly, this means Mr. Anutin remains in this status. Although there are reports that the 36th subcommittee has met and intends to dismiss the case, the final authority rests with the EC. This situation affects decisions regarding Mr. Anutin’s cabinet appointment because many accused persons are involved. You do not need to explain the details to me; this is simply Mr. Anutin’s current status with the EC.”Tags: [Anutin Status, Election Commission, Cabinet Appointment, Legal Proceedings]
The second investigating agency is the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Some may think the case was closed when prosecutors filed charges against eight individuals. However, earlier this year prosecutors returned the case to the DSI, stating it involved about 1,200 people and 300 million baht, with charges including criminal syndicate and money laundering. The prosecutors instructed that prosecution should cover all involved and not be fragmented against individuals or groups.Tags: [Department of Special Investigation, Prosecutors, Large-Scale Case, Money Laundering]
“For these reasons, I cannot approve a nominee who currently has pending cases for Prime Minister, as it would undermine public trust, disrupt governance, and cause citizens to question why no other candidate can be found.”Tags: [Public Trust, Governance, Political Standards, Prime Minister Nominee]
Regarding the next question,Tags: [Transition, Question] why I do not support Mr. Nattapong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, I state that based on the same standardsTags: [Nattapong Rueangpanyawut, People’s Party, Political Standards] he has been found by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to have sufficient evidence to proceed to court, which may require him to suspend his duties. Therefore, we cannot support him either.Tags: [National Anti-Corruption Commission, Legal Charges, Political Support]
“Don’t worry; abstaining is not about waiting to join the government. I have served as opposition almost the longest in this parliament, with no history of waiting to join government. We conduct genuine oversight, not producing content, and proceed with sincere intent.”Tags: [Opposition Role, Government Participation, Political Integrity]
At the end, Mr. Abhisit expressed regret that if anyone claims non-acceptance of the election, it is unfortunate. Besides previously mentioned election irregularities still pending in court with many disputes,Tags: [Election Disputes, Legal Proceedings, Political Regret] it is regrettable that the two parties proposing nominees for Prime Minister today actually have candidates without issues: Mr. Sihasak Puangket for Bhumjaithai Party and Mr. Weerayut Kanchuchat for People’s Party. Thus, we must abstain from voting.Tags: [Prime Minister Candidates, Bhumjaithai Party, People’s Party, Abstention] Tags: []
Watch the live Prime Minister vote sending Anutin to his second term – click hereTags: [Live Vote, Prime Minister Election, Anutin Charnvirakul]