THAI PM ANUTIN REJECTS CLAIMS OF MOVE TO BLOCK PEOPLE’S PARTY FROM POWER

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday dismissed speculation that rival parties could block the opposition People’s Party from forming a government if it emerges as the top vote-getter in this Sunday’s general election.

Anutin, who is also Bhumjaithai Party’s leader, said the party that wins the most seats should be given the first opportunity to form a new administration.

Reaffirming his commitment to long-standing political convention, he said the mechanism has been applied consistently in past elections. 

“In 2019, Palang Pracharath was the core party (the lead party in forming the coalition government). In 2023, Pheu Thai was the core party,” he told reporters after a Cabinet meeting here.

Anutin added that there would be no obstacle to discussions if Bhumjaithai were invited to coalition talks, but stressed that any negotiations must be based on clear and mutually agreed upon policy conditions.

He said his previous administration lasted four months, making it effectively a minority government, but stressed that Bhumjaithai was the largest party in the governing bloc at the time.

“We were fully within the rules and no different from the formation of any other government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anutin instructed the Cabinet to continue governing with full readiness and efficiency until the new Cabinet is sworn in following the general election.

On Sunday, Thais will head to the polls to elect all 500 members of the House of Representatives for the next four years. A constitutional referendum will also be held alongside the general election to assess public support for drafting a new constitution.

-- BERNAMA