Thai Prime Minister Anutin said that the Bhumjaithai Party, which won a large majority in Sunday's general election, will form a coalition government with the third-placed Pheu Thai Party.
According to AFP, citing Anutin's announcement on the 13th, he said: “We are honored that senior leaders of the Pheu Thai Party could visit us today. Although the election results have yet to be officially confirmed, we have reached a consensus, and the Pheu Thai Party will support our planned coalition government.”
According to foreign media calculations based on election commission data, the Bhumjaithai Party led by Anutin achieved an unexpected victory in Sunday's general election, winning 193 seats in the 500-seat House of Representatives. They were followed by the reformist People's Party, which won 118 seats, and the populist Pheu Thai Party, which won 74 seats.
The Pheu Thai Party, which is supported by the imprisoned billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin, will give Anutin an absolute majority in parliament. This could pave the way to forming a stable coalition government.
After talks with the Pheu Thai Party leadership, Anutin told reporters: “We will jointly form a government, govern the country, and work for the wellbeing of the nation.”
Bhumjaithai Party was previously a member of the ruling coalition led by the Pheu Thai Party, which came to power after the 2023 general election. However, last June, after a phone call between then Prime Minister Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was leaked, Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from the coalition.
Paetongtarn was subsequently ordered by the court to step down, paving the way for Anutin to become prime minister.
Anutin said: “Let us put aside past misunderstandings. We hope to work hand in hand and govern the country together.”