Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul announced that he has the support needed to form a new coalition government and that he is ready to be the next prime minister of Thailand, replacing Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was ousted by the Constitutional Court for ethical misconduct.
“As Bhumjaithai’s leader and prime ministerial candidate, I have been ready since 2019,” Anutin said.
Speaking at a press conference, at around 9.25pm last night, he claimed that, after learning of the court’s decision, his group decided to come together, agreeing that Thailand must not be allowed to stagnate.
“Previous governments could not resolve the problems, but we are confident that we can. We care about the country and want to restore peace and stability,” he said.
He stressed that his party has agreed to the conditions set by the People party, in exchange for its support in the prime ministerial vote. Anutin and Bhumjaithai’s core members held talks with People party leaders at the latter’s headquarters.
According to Anutin, the conditions include holding a referendum on amending the Constitution, resolving conflicts to restore peace and engaging in talks with neighbouring countries where relations are strained.
Another condition is a pledge to return power to the people within four months of delivering the government’s policy statement, by dissolving the House of Representatives and calling a general election.
The party said its MPs will not hold any position in the new government. “We are here to solve problems and to return power to the people as quickly as possible,” Anutin declared, while noting that minor details remain to be concluded, since the People party wants a written agreement.
Support from the People party is crucial, as it controls the largest bloc of seats in the House (143).
Asked whether dissolving parliament so soon would be premature, Anutin replied that “there is no such thing as too soon or too late.”
Anutin declined to reveal how many MPs were backing him, but insisted that coalition had enough support to form a government.
Joining him at the press conference were Suchart Chomklin, of the United Thai Nation Party, Santi Promphat, of the Palang Pracharath Party, Nipon Boonyamanee, former deputy leader of the Democrat Party, and Sakda Vichiensil, a Pheu Thai MP.
At the end of the briefing, the group clasped hands for a photo opportunity and to signify their coalition.
Sakda later told reporters that about 10 MPs from the ruling Pheu Thai Party would also back Anutin.
Kannavee Suebsang, an MP from the Fair party, with close ties to the People party, was also present at the briefing and was seen in discussion with Anutin.
