Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced the three prime ministerial candidates for his Bhumjaithai Party, including the popular Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
The other two candidates are himself and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
Bhumjaithai is the first party to announce its candidates, as required by electoral rules for all parties running in the general election. Each party can nominate a maximum of three prime ministerial candidates.
Anutin said these three names will be submitted to the party’s general assembly for approval, possibly at this Sunday’s meeting.
He praised both Ekniti and Suphajee as competent and hardworking professionals who understand their roles and have strong political insight.
Both, who were among outsiders picked by Anutin to join his minority government, have been widely recognised for working effectively and efficiently.
Regarding Suphajee’s nomination, Anutin explained that he did not personally approach her, but “effectively required” her to be a candidate to complete the party’s three-person slate.
Previously, Bhumjaithai, as a smaller party, had only one candidate, Anutin himself, he said, adding that now that the party has grown, he feels that more candidates are necessary to share the workload.
When asked if Ekniti and Suphajee might be on the party’s list of proportional-representation MPs, Anutin said it was possible.
He emphasised that he evaluates candidates based on their work ethic, dedication, speed and reliability.
If their performance meets expectations, he will not interfere, allowing them full freedom while providing support to ensure their work benefits the country.
Asked about reports that Chartthaipattana party leader Varawut Silpa-archa and his MPs may join Bhumjaithai ahead of the next general election, Anutin replied, adding “Let’s wait and see on Sunday.”
