Thai politician Bhumjaithai rejects speculations of Anutin aiming for Prime Minister position.
In Thailand's political landscape, the Bhumjaithai Party has taken a nuanced stance on the potential of its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, becoming the next prime minister. Despite allegations from the Pheu Thai Party suggesting otherwise, Anutin has unequivocally stated that he has never offered himself nor shown any intention to run for the premiership [3][5].
However, political developments hint at some openness within Bhumjaithai to the idea of Anutin as a prime ministerial candidate. As a "new opposition party," Bhumjaithai may propose Anutin for the position depending on political circumstances, particularly if elections are delayed, and the party aims to hold power in an interim government [2].
The party's immediate priority, however, is maintaining control over key ministries. Anutin has made it clear that if Bhumjaithai loses the Interior Ministry in any Cabinet reshuffle, the party is prepared to quit the ruling coalition and move to the opposition [1][4]. This stance reflects Bhumjaithai's insistence on abiding by coalition agreements that assign them oversight of specific ministries, primarily the Interior Ministry.
The Bhumjaithai Party is not actively seeking the premiership position under the current political climate. This was evident when they left the Pheu Thai-led government last month following a controversial phone conversation between Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen [6].
Despite this, the Bhumjaithai Party remains active in the political sphere, focusing on its role as an opposition party. They are open to cooperating with all parties to resolve political issues through parliamentary mechanisms [7]. The party also believes that Thai politics will not reach a stalemate [8].
The People's Party has proposed the formation of a caretaker government, and the Bhumjaithai Party will consider this proposal when the appropriate time comes [4]. Boonyathida Somchai, a Party spokeswoman, stated that there is no need for the Pheu Thai Party to be "paranoid" about anyone taking over the premiership [1].
In summary, while there is political speculation about Anutin Charnvirakul as a potential prime ministerial candidate from Bhumjaithai, the party officially denies any ambition for Anutin to seek that role. Their current firm position revolves around retaining control of the Interior Ministry and readiness to leave the coalition if that is compromised, which shows a strategic focus on maintaining influence through ministerial power rather than leadership of the government at this time [1][3][5]. The Bhumjaithai Party continues to focus on its role as an opposition party, addressing national issues through parliamentary mechanisms.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and general-news, the Bhumjaithai Party is open to proposing Anutin Charnvirakul as a prime ministerial candidate under certain political circumstances, as reported in some news outlets [2].
- Despite the political discussions and speculations about Anutin becoming the next prime minister, the Bhumjaithai Party has refused any ambition for its leader to seek the position, choosing instead to focus on maintaining control of key ministries and its role as an active opposition party, according to party spokeswoman Boonyathida Somchai [1].
