Yotsanan declined to answer about Kla Tham signaling coalition participation, saying it is the prime minister’s authority; did not clarify Anutin’s rejection of THACCA. Pradorn and Phonpi said they do not know if a cabinet reshuffle to include Kla Tham will happen; the current 300-seat majority is managing well already.
On 22 Sep 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Yotsanan Wongsawat, acting as advisor to Pheu Thai Party (PT), addressed Kla Tham Party’s removal from the opposition whip. He said that as a coalition member, Pheu Thai continues to focus fully on responsibilities in five ministries related to human capital development and agriculture, with no signals of change and full commitment to ongoing work.
When asked if Pheu Thai is ready to work with Kla Tham should they join the government, Yotsanan said Pheu Thai must focus on its current five ministries and do its best there. Asked if the government’s current vote count is stable enough, he said they are managing fine as is.
Asked about the prime minister’s rejection of the Creative Culture Promotion Act (THACCA), a bill proposed by Pheu Thai, and whether any clearing of misunderstandings occurred, Yotsanan said that creative economy and cultural capital are priorities across ministries and important for the country regardless.
Prasert declines to interfere with Kla Tham’s exit from opposition whip.
Education Minister and Pheu Thai Secretary-General Prasert Chantraruangthong commented on Kla Tham’s exit from the opposition whip, saying he lacks detailed information as it is an internal matter of Kla Tham working with the opposition. He heard there were talks with opposition leaders to some extent. He respects Kla Tham’s role and said Pheu Thai will not interfere. When asked if this benefits the government, Prasert said the government remains stable.
Pradorn says the government with 300 votes is managing well already.
Meanwhile, Pradorn Prisannanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and MP for Ang Thong from BPT, said he is unaware of details. He noted news on 20 Sep about Kla Tham’s removal from the opposition whip but has not consulted Kla Tham’s spokesperson Attakorn Sirilattayakorn. He prefers not to comment further to avoid interference.
By principle, parties not in government are automatically opposition since no agreement exists like coalition pacts. He questioned what right is used to remove opposition status from others. Voting differing from the opposition whip is an MP’s prerogative. He is not defending Kla Tham but noted they sometimes vote against the government, sometimes abstain, and sometimes align with the government, reflecting MPs’ individual voting rights.
Asked if the government’s 300 votes are sufficient or need more, Pradorn said the government has operated well with 300 votes. When pressed if 300 is enough, he confirmed they have managed with that number so far.
When asked if Kla Tham joining the government is increasingly likely, Pradorn said he does not know and has not discussed with Attakorn. He is also unaware if BPT or Kla Tham leaders have negotiated or talked on this.
Phonpi praises Kla Tham for voting for the 2027 budget bill.
Phonpi Suwanchawi, Deputy Minister of Interior and MP for Nakhon Ratchasima from BPT, said Kla Tham’s vote for the 2027 budget bill shows their prioritization of the public, as budget use drives the economy and aids citizens to develop Thailand. He views Kla Tham’s actions positively. Regarding the opposition People’s Party excluding Kla Tham from the opposition whip, he said that is the People’s Party’s decision. Personally, he believes voting and parliamentary actions focused on the people and nation are correct.
Uncertain if cabinet reshuffle will include Kla Tham; depends on PM.
Asked about the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle including Kla Tham, Phonpi said he does not know, as ministerial reshuffles are solely the prime minister’s discretion. There have been no discussions within BPT or coalition parties. Personally, he thinks now is not the time for a reshuffle, as the current ministers are well settled.
Praise for “A. Chen” as deputy PM first term with proven performance.
Asked if this is a test for the so-called 'Luk Thep' minister group, Phonpi replied that all 'Luk Thep' members already have abilities and the term should not be limited to BPT only. He cited Yotsanan Wongsawat, who became deputy PM and minister on his first term with notable achievements. Many Pheu Thai ministers are similar MPs, some with less seniority than BPT members. If they are collectively called 'Luk Thep', he is happy to be one.