Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul has firmly rejected Pheu Thai's demand to return the interior portfolio, a move that could lead to the party's expulsion from the Pheu Thai-led government.

 

Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and interior minister, stated that Bhumjaithai would not need to wait for the June 19 deadline set by Pheu Thai. The demand required them to surrender the interior portfolio in exchange for the public health portfolio and a ministerial seat at the Prime Minister’s Office.

 

Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, officially proposed this exchange to Anutin. The decision is reportedly influenced by Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of Pheu Thai.

 

Pheu Thai has warned that if Bhumjaithai, led by Newin Chidchob, rejects the offer, they risk being excluded from the coalition with a new cabinet lineup imminent.

 

Anutin, who previously held the public health portfolio, asserts that his party will not accept the offer and is prepared to join the opposition if necessary.

 

If Bhumjaithai, with its 68 MPs, exits the coalition, the number of coalition MPs will decrease from 324 to 256, leaving Pheu Thai with a slim majority. However, support from some opposition MPs, including those from Palang Pracharath and Thai Sang Thai, could compensate for the loss.

 

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

 

 

Wheels within wheels,  never a dull moment - that's of course if you're interested 😊

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

If Bhumjaithai, with its 68 MPs, exits the coalition, the number of coalition MPs will decrease from 324 to 256, leaving Pheu Thai with a slim majority.

Like most coalitions, they fall apart eventually. Beginning of the end for this one - hope Move Forward can recast and get a majority this time. If the hidden hands tried (again) to deny a majority (e.g. for a party with more than 50% of seats) from taking office they'd be really asking for trouble this time from the voters.