Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, stated he is awaiting the Election Commission’s certification of 100% of the election results before disclosing his strategy for forming a new government. He assured that the upcoming cabinet will be an improvement over the previous one, attributing this to the substantial support received by the Bhumjaithai Party. Anutin refrained from discussing his potential assumption of the Ministry of Defense role and mentioned an upcoming party meeting to engage newly elected MPs in a post-election victory dialogue.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed speculations surrounding his possible dual role as Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, pointing out that vote counting remains incomplete, with approximately 92-93% tallied. He clarified that the scheduled Bhumjaithai Party meeting does not have a special agenda, but is intended as a platform for those with unofficial results to review the election’s outcome, identify weaknesses, and pinpoint areas for development.
Anutin emphasized that any actions regarding coalition formation will be deferred until the Election Commission finalizes the vote count. Only then can the party proceed with assurance. He indicated his interest in evaluating the number of MPs from each party before contemplating alliances, noting fluctuations in the Bhumjaithai Party’s expected constituency MP count as an example of current uncertainties.
Addressing questions about potential government formation formulas, Anutin expressed the need to focus on his existing responsibilities as Prime Minister, managing national affairs amid ongoing challenges, particularly in the southern border provinces. He acknowledged the effective collaboration between security agencies and civilian sectors, ensuring government service continuity during the election period.
Anutin highlighted the importance of thorough analysis in determining the number of MPs required for a stable government, suggesting that past data should guide decisions to facilitate smooth operations and mitigate risks. He remains confident that the forthcoming government will surpass its predecessor, driven by the public’s trust and support, which obliges him to strive for excellence and respond to the electorate’s confidence and goodwill.