Phiphat revealed that welcoming Newin Chidchob did not involve talks about the Kla Tham Party joining the government. He sees that after six months it is not yet time to reshuffle the cabinet and deferred questions to Anutin, saying the decision depends on the Prime Minister's discretion.
At 09:30 on 20 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, a leading member of the Bhumjaithai Party, gave an interview at the Government House regarding images showing a welcome for Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United Football Club, in Songkhla Province. Phiphat said Newin traveled with his team to play a Thai League match against Pattani. Since Pattani’s stadium was under renovation, the match was held in Songkhla. As Phiphat is from Songkhla, he went to watch the important game and greeted Newin before watching the match.
Reporters asked further, whether Newin hinted when the Kla Tham Party might join the government. Phiphat replied that there was no such discussion since the event was a football match, not a political meeting. He added that decisions on who joins the government should be made by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. When asked if Anutin had made any comments, Phiphat said, "No."
Regarding images of Anutin having a meal with Captain Thammanat Prompao, leader of the Kla Tham Party, Phiphat said he happened not to be at the table and did not know if it signaled any political intention. He noted the Prime Minister and Captain Thammanat are familiar and have dined together frequently in the past. Phiphat said he could not properly answer about the meaning of the meeting.
When pressed about rumors that Kla Tham Party might merge with Bhumjaithai Party, Phiphat said he was unsure of the source of the news. He had heard it from the media but did not understand where it originated. Whether it would happen should be discussed by senior leaders. Asked if it was time to bring Kla Tham into the government, Phiphat said it was better to ask Anutin. He preferred not to speculate, saying it might be incorrect. All questions should go to Anutin.
On whether the government is currently strong enough, Phiphat said the government led by Anutin—the so-called Anutin 2 government—has been working well for about six months. Several ministries, especially Transport, are settling in and able to push policies forward without problems. He noted that not everyone who joins a ministry can immediately work effectively. Understanding between ministers and civil servants at all levels is crucial. If ministers and senior civil servants cannot communicate well, work becomes difficult since civil servants control the budget.
When asked if this meant he opposed a cabinet reshuffle, Phiphat responded, he believes it is not yet appropriate after six months. However, the decision ultimately depends on what the Prime Minister deems suitable, as well as the Bhumjaithai Party’s executive committee, of which he is not a member.