Bangkok: "Chaiyanok" believes everyone has abilities, but ultimately, it's the results that matter. Following "Thammanat's" claim that the Ministry of Agriculture has a difficult task, he stated that time will prove the effectiveness of the work and that he thinks the Ministry of Agriculture will likely be no different from other ministries.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaiyanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed the question of whether a delay in the government formation timeline would slow down the party's progress. He stated that, in terms of party operations, the Bhumjaithai Party is currently still functioning, and all ministers in the caretaker government are still working. While a delay might affect the party's flexibility, they have already gathered information and prepared plans.
When pressed on whether economic targets would be affected if the timeline was postponed, Mr. Chaiyanok said it was possible, but many things, including the 2.5% GDP growth target and the long-term plan already increased it, could have an impact. However, everyone must abide by the rules regarding the certification of the election results. When asked whether economic recovery next year would meet the target of over 3% set by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapha, Mr. Chaiyanok said that he acknowledged it wouldn't be difficult under normal circumstances, but given the current global situation, they would try their best. He believes the entire management team already has goals prepared for implementation. The strong measures to be implemented immediately upon government formation include the "Half-Price Plus" project, the reopening of registration for the State Welfare Card, and the "guillotine" of laws, by involving independent lawyers and academics. He believes that if the plan proceeds as expected, the economy can be significantly revived within two years after government formation.
When asked by reporters whether the Kla Tham Party's stance on joining the government was still unclear, Mr. Chaiyanok stated that their position remains the same: waiting for confirmation from the Election Commission. Until that day, all parties are open to expressing their positions. Regarding Mr. Pai Lik, the Kla Tham Party's secretary-general, who stated that nowhere in the world does a vote for prime minister take place before discussing government formation, Mr. Chaiyanok clarified that this wasn't a suggestion to vote first, but rather that they are open to supporting Mr. Anutin and all parties. They haven't made any offers to any particular party.
When asked about the statement by Captain Thamanat Phromphao, chairman of the advisory board of the Kla Tham Party, who said he wasn't fixated on the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives but that anyone working there would find it difficult because it's not like working in an air-conditioned office at the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Chaiyanok said that he believes every ministry presents challenges, and each executive has different abilities and working styles. Ultimately, it comes down to results. He urged people to focus on performance, and added that he personally lacks experience in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, so he couldn't comment on Captain Thamanat's statement. Therefore, he said he would wait and see who will be appointed to the position.
When asked about Captain Thamanat's statement that "in the early stages of love, even boiled vegetables taste sweet," and whether the Bhumjaithai Party and the Tariff Party are still on good terms, Mr. Chaiyanok laughed and said, "I'd say things have always been neutral. For me, politics has never been sweet."
When asked if he was concerned about potential job cuts or a lack of public support or policy response from civil servants if the Kla Tham Party did not oversee the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Chaiyanok said he was not worried. He explained that, having served as Minister of Digital Economy and Society, he understood the difficulties of a change in government. However, he added that with good intentions and a commitment to working for the people, success is ultimately achievable, and time will tell. He believes the Ministry of Agriculture will likely be no different. He acknowledged that new appointees will need to understand and study the work methods, the bureaucratic system, and various projects. But he concluded that anyone who is prepared and qualified as a minister can manage the problems.