Politics Bhumjaithai Given Days to Hand Back Interior Ministry

[webfact]

Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

BANGKOK –  The Pheu Thai Party, leading the current coalition, has issued a firm directive to its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, to relinquish the coveted Interior Portfolio. This ultimatum comes with a tight deadline, wherein the second-largest coalition partner must comply within days or face expulsion from the government coalition.

 

Under the direction of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and influenced by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai Party has resolved to reassert control over the Interior Portfolio. This strategic move targets the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Newin Chidchob, with a formal request to cede the portfolio by tomorrow, June 19.

 

Thaksin Shinawatra. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

The implications are clear: failure to meet this demand could lead to Bhumjaithai's exclusion from a reshuffled cabinet, anticipated later in the month. Yesterday, Paetongtarn chaired a critical meeting with Pheu Thai MPs and executive board members at the party’s headquarters to solidify this decision.

 

In an attempt to balance this power play, Pheu Thai has proposed a swap. Bhumjaithai is being offered the Public Health Portfolio along with a ministerial position in the Prime Minister’s Office.

 

This offer strategically places Bhumjaithai's titular leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, back in familiar territory, as he previously led the public health sector in a prior administration.

 

Anutin has recently eased his steadfast stance on holding the Interior Portfolio. He has suggested a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle to impact all coalition partners, not solely Bhumjaithai.

 

This could potentially provide a smoother transition and maintain coalition stability. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Bhumjaithai’s response, which will shape the immediate political landscape.

 

The resolution or defiance of this ultimatum holds significant ramifications for the power dynamics within the Thai government.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-18

 

 

[ozz1]

Another coup maybe or just have another election thai politics is a joke

[Geoffggi]

Someone (We all know who) definitely has something up his sleeve and it probably only benifits his own dynasty, definitely time for a change in management

[Dan O]

The courts need to step in and stop Thaksins direct influence in running the govt as its clear to all and accepted as appropriate when it not. The current PM is not capable to hold her role either. 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The Pheu Thai Party, leading the current coalition, has issued a firm directive to its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, to relinquish the coveted Interior Portfolio. This ultimatum comes with a tight deadline, wherein the second-largest coalition partner must comply within days or face expulsion from the government coalition

Re-shuffle what re-shuffle.... he said

If Anutin had any balls he'd say fine... bye.

Good luck at the next election

[PETERTHEEATER]

Luckily, Anutin still has his monogrammed doctors jackets hanging in his closet. 😋

[BritManToo]

13 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Luckily, Anutin still has his monogrammed doctors jackets hanging in his closet. 😋

More lucky that he still can control parliment.

69 BJT MPs Vs 142 PT MPs 

Without BJT, the government only has a 7 vote majority, assuming none of their existing coalition jump ship.