Anutin denies 300-seat coalition deal is finalised

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), has dismissed reports that a 300-seat coalition in the House of Representatives has already been secured, insisting no formal agreement has been reached.

Speaking on Sunday on progress in the government’s formation, Mr Anutin said speculation that a deal had been concluded was premature.

“No deal has even been opened — how could it be closed?” he said, adding the situation remained unchanged pending official certification of the results by the Election Commission (EC).

“Coalition discussions must follow constitutional procedures,” he said. BJT would wait for formal endorsement of the results before announcing any prospective partners.

Drawing on more than two decades in politics, Mr Anutin said this is Thailand’s third general election since the 2017 constitution, and certification has never been completed in less than a month, although the law allows up to 60 days.

“We cannot move ahead prematurely. Once there is clarity, we will speak decisively and conclude matters at once,” he said.

Asked whether he feared the poll might be annulled, Mr Anutin said such matters fall within the EC’s remit and expressed confidence in the commission’s integrity.

On suggestions that a vote for prime minister could precede cabinet allocations, he said parties in preliminary talks had agreed that votes for prime minister and House Speaker should come first.

He declined to comment on criticism from parties awaiting invitations to join the coalition, saying it was best to let the situation settle. He also confirmed that no party, including the Democrat Party, was being excluded before the results are endorsed. The caretaker government continues to function as usual, he added.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai meet on Tuesday to discuss cabinet allocations.

Reports indicate Pheu Thai may nominate Yodchanan Wongsawat, its prime ministerial candidate, as minister of higher education, science, research and innovation, subject to his acceptance.

Separately, Capt Thamanat Prompow, deputy prime minister and agriculture minister, was pictured holidaying with his family in Finland, reportedly to view the Northern Lights, amid speculation that his Klatham Party may be left out of the coalition.

He returns to Thailand on Wednesday.