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Summary: Thailand Post-Election Goverment Formation – Bhumjaithai Party’s Perspective
This article details the views of Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, regarding the likely process of government formation following the February 8th, 2026 election in Thailand. He emphasizes adherence to established parliamentary procedures and a pragmatic approach to coalition building.
Key Points:
* Tradition of the Leading Party: Anutin firmly believes the party winning the most seats should be given the first chance to form a government. He cites the 2019 and 2023 elections as precedents. He suggests that challenging this tradition would require a party to secure a clear majority (more than half the votes).
* Potential Alliances:
* People’s Party (P.P.C.): He doesn’t rule out a coalition with the P.P.C., but stresses the need for a firm agreement on policy.
* Formal agreements: Bhumjaithai prefers formal agreements (MOAs/MOUs) over “Gentlemen’s Agreements” to ensure stability.
* Timeframe: Government formation is expected to take weeks, potentially mirroring the almost two-month process following the 2023 election. Initial results are anticipated between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM on February 8th.
* Downplaying Scrutiny: anutin dismissed concerns about potential scrutiny of past legislative actions,specifically mentioning the Khao Kradong and Hua land disputes.
* Skepticism of Smaller Party Coalitions: He doubts the viability of a coalition formed by smaller parties challenging the leading party, questioning who would support such an effort.
In essence, Anutin is positioning Bhumjaithai as a pragmatic player who respects established norms and prioritizes stability through clear, formalized agreements. He is signaling a willingness to negotiate but also asserting the customary right of the winning party to lead the government formation process.
