Thai Parties Back Anutin for PM, Coalition Reaches 292 Seats
Thailand’s Ruling Party Secures Coalition, Anutin Poised to Remain Prime Minister
Bangkok, Thailand – – The Bhumjaithai Party has solidified a coalition agreement with several key parties, paving the way for its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, to remain as Thailand’s Prime Minister. The coalition currently commands 292 seats in parliament, according to announcements made today at a press conference held at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters.
The agreement includes support from the Palang Pracharath Party and the Opportunity Thai Party, adding six seats to Bhumjaithai’s existing base. Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chai Chanak Chidchob, spokesperson Nan Bunyathida Somchai, and MP for Chonburi, Suchat Chomklin, were present at the announcement, alongside five MPs from Palang Pracharath, led by acting party leader, Trinuach Tianthong, and Rosarin Saranaket, an MP from Uttaradit representing the Opportunity Thai Party.
Nan Bunyathida Somchai stated that the Bhumjaithai Party was “honored” to receive the formal backing of Palang Pracharath and Opportunity Thai for Anutin Charnvirakul’s premiership. “This demonstrates a shared vision for the future of Thailand,” she said.
Trinuach Tianthong explained that Palang Pracharath’s decision stemmed from discussions with senior figures within the Bhumjaithai Party. “Palang Pracharath has decided to support the work of the Bhumjaithai Party, which has received strong support from the people as the leading party,” Tianthong said. “Palang Pracharath is happy to support Bhumjaithai in governing the country. Our party prioritizes national security and addressing the hardships faced by the people.”
Rosarin Saranaket, daughter of former Uttaradit MP Saranwut Saranaket, expressed her delight at the inclusion of the Opportunity Thai Party in the prospective government. “We believe in a shared ideology, whether it’s the Bhumjaithai Party or other coalition partners, to solve problems and improve the economic well-being of the Thai people,” she stated. “The Opportunity Thai Party has resolved to support Anutin as Prime Minister, following discussions between party leader Chatuporn Buruspat and senior members of the Bhumjaithai Party.”
When questioned about the potential inclusion of smaller parties, Nan Bunyathida Somchai indicated that the official number of seats would be announced following the party’s internal conference scheduled for . Responding to a direct question about whether the Kla Tham Party and the Democrat Party would be joining the coalition, she stated, “It’s not yet time to say definitively. First, Bhumjaithai must formally report its position, and then there will be further discussions after the party conference.”
Regarding whether the party conference would finalize the coalition composition, Somchai responded, “Please stay tuned.”
Asked if the current 290+ seat total was sufficient to form a stable government, Somchai explained that a majority is typically determined in the House of Representatives, without a fixed number. Chai Chanak Chidchob added that the allocation of cabinet positions to smaller parties with a combined total of over 30 seats would be determined after the party conference on .
The formation of this coalition follows the Bhumjaithai Party’s strong performance in the general election, where it secured 193 seats in the 500-seat parliament. This victory positions Anutin Charnvirakul to continue leading Thailand, building on his previous term as caretaker prime minister.