The Prime Minister affirmed the government is ready to face the no-confidence debate, withheld comment on bringing the "Kla Party" into the coalition or dividing ministries, stressed that his friendship with Thammanat is separate from politics, and urged the public to wait and not speculate on reports about allocating the Commerce Ministry to Kla Party.
On 20 Oct 2026 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was interviewed about the upcoming no-confidence debate. He said he instructed ministers to prepare for clarifying any questions or allegations. Anutin said he himself will be among those debated, so all ministries must be ready to respond. He expressed confidence in the current government’s teamwork, as it includes only two coalition parties, making coordination and cooperation easier.
When asked if he was particularly concerned about any ministry, Anutin said he needs to work harder on the Prime Minister's Office and the Interior Ministry.
Asked about the Kla Party’s status after the no-confidence debate amid rumors of joining the government or merging with the Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin said the matter has not yet occurred, so he cannot comment prematurely since nothing definitive or meaningful exists now.
When asked if the no-confidence debate would determine whether Kla Party joins the coalition, the Prime Minister replied it was better to focus on government work, noting that the cabinet has recently approved many beneficial measures for the public.
When reporters pressed about rumors of Kla Party merging with Bhumjaithai, Anutin only smiled and did not answer the question.
Regarding public perception that the government is already strong and might further strengthen politically, Anutin said the government is working fully. The no-confidence debate is a parliamentary process and a mechanism to check the government’s work. All ministers are prepared to clarify doubts and address allegations. The government must continue working at full capacity.
Asked if he was confident in the 18 ministers’ ability to clarify in parliament, Anutin said the debate is under Section 151 of the constitution, concluding with a vote. Internally, he is confident, but he would not claim to be extremely confident.
Asked if he was confident the government would receive more supportive votes than currently held, Anutin said one must look back at history. Governments must have a majority in parliament. Previously, only the first Anutin government had a minority, but there was no no-confidence debate then; it was almost held but parliament was dissolved beforehand. The current Anutin government holds nearly 300 supportive MPs, and reporters can calculate the numbers themselves.
Asked if receiving over 300 supportive votes in the debate would affect the decision to bring Kla Party into the coalition, Anutin said all votes are the personal discretion of MPs.
Asked if Kla Party’s supportive vote would influence the invitation to join the government, Anutin said to wait until it happens, which won’t take long. Praidon Prisananantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, will discuss with parliamentary whips to schedule the debate so all ministers can attend fully without other distractions.
Anutin said the preliminary proposal is for the debate to take place from 27-29 October with a vote on 30 October. However, exact dates and duration depend on joint discussions, as last week the government’s proposal was challenged by the Speaker, who said the dates must be agreed upon by all three whips and the Speaker.
The Prime Minister apologized for any previous misstatements where the government said it "wanted" specific dates, clarifying it should have been phrased as a government proposal.
Asked about prospects for increased government support after the debate, Anutin expressed frustration, saying everything must proceed step by step. Since the debate has not yet occurred, ministers must first clarify, then a vote will show if support rises or falls. He asked to wait until then for further questions.
Asked if he was not ruling out the possibility of Kla Party joining the coalition, Anutin said, "I don’t even know how many votes each person will get. When I was debated as Minister of Public Health and Interior Minister, I couldn’t predict the number of votes either. I had to wait each time to see if I got more or fewer votes than others, including whether I would pass or fail."
Anutin added there is no guarantee of passing a vote just because the government has a majority. The government does not govern with that mindset but must be confident in the information used to answer questions and allegations from the opposition. Not only the Prime Minister but all 17 other ministers must respond as well.
Asked if there would be a cabinet reshuffle after the no-confidence debate, Anutin said, "Oh, please don’t ask yet."
Regarding a photo of him dining with Captain Thammanat Prompao, Kla Party leader, and what they discussed, Anutin laughed and asked, "Do I have to say? We are friends."
When asked about rumors that Kla Party would join the government with Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin said it was just a rumor. He explained his personal relationship with Captain Thammanat, whom he has known since Thammanat was a captain in the 25th class of the Royal Military Academy. They have a long friendship, often socializing, supporting each other, and meeting regularly.
However, Anutin emphasized politics must be separated from personal matters. He said if friendship alone determined everything, then why is Captain Thammanat not currently in the government? So national matters must be handled as national matters, and friendship is another matter. Anutin and Thammanat continue to maintain good relations but reiterated, "Politics is politics."
When asked about clarity regarding the rumored allocation of the riverside ministry to Kla Party, the Prime Minister asked, "What is the riverside ministry?" When a reporter clarified it meant the Ministry of Commerce and noted attention on Ms. Supachai Sutthumpan, Anutin laughed loudly and said, "Don’t speculate. Please wait."
Regarding whether Kla Party joining the coalition would lead to ministerial quota adjustments at the expense of Bhumjaithai or Pheu Thai parties, Anutin emphasized it is premature to assume anything now as the debate and vote have not yet occurred. He affirmed the government will work fully for the people regardless of who stays, leaves, joins, or changes. The work for the nation will not be wasted.