Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has declared his readiness to employ all available mechanisms to safeguard national interests should a crisis arise. He expressed gratitude upon learning that the Election Commission is set to announce the certification of party-list MPs imminently, pledging to lead the MPs to report for duty without delay.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed the formation of a unified government to manage the unrest in the Middle East, highlighting that some ministries remain under the control of other coalition parties. He emphasized the importance of swift certification of MPs but reassured that the current government continues to administer the country effectively. During this period of potential crises, he pledged to utilize all mechanisms and networks to fully protect Thailand's interests, whether in a caretaker capacity or otherwise.
Discussing the limitations post-election, Anutin noted that binding the budget to the next government is prohibited. He stated that now is not the time for budget discussions and also dismissed concerns over the appointment and transfer of high-level civil servants. He asserted that Thailand requires a government at all times, emphasizing the continuity of governance.
When questioned about the certification timeline for both party-list and general-election MPs, Anutin expressed his anticipation for the process to conclude quickly, following the Election Commission's announcement. He explained that once MPs are certified, the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives will notify him to petition His Majesty the King to convene Parliament, ensuring adherence to constitutional procedures.
Regarding the coalition partners, Anutin remained non-committal, suggesting that the final composition will emerge soon. On the potential inclusion of the Kla Tham Party in the coalition, he stated that the Prime Minister has yet to be chosen, and the coalition's structure will depend on the eventual Prime Minister's selection.
Addressing speculation about his potential roles, Anutin clarified misunderstandings regarding his stance on the Minister of Defense position. He stressed that all ministerial roles come with procedures and that he remains focused on ensuring efficient governance. He reassured that the certification process for MPs will proceed without delay, with all necessary preparations already underway.
Anutin confirmed that most of his party is ready to report for duty once MPs are certified, emphasizing that all MPs are eager to fulfill their responsibilities. He remained reticent about his potential participation in the government if the Kla Tham Party supported him as Prime Minister, citing the need for confirmation of various procedural steps.
In response to rumors about high-ranking military appointments, Anutin humorously deflected questions about "Big Daeng," a reference to General Apirat Kongsompong, former Army Commander, by joking about nicknames with colleagues.