Parit Wacharasindhu has reaffirmed that the People’s Party will serve as leader of the opposition following the formation of a coalition government between Bhumjaithai Party and Pheu Thai Party. Speaking in Bangkok on 14 February 2026, the party spokesperson also denied holding any talks with Thammanat Prompow after the coalition was announced.

Get today's headlines by email

Parit said Bhumjaithai had already successfully formed a government, citing its public declaration of cooperation with Pheu Thai and several smaller parties. He noted that the combined number of MPs in the alliance exceeds 250, giving it a parliamentary majority.

In principle, Parit said, the People’s Party has consistently maintained that it is the legitimate right of the largest party to form a government. As the election results showed that the People’s Party was not the largest party, it respects that right and will take up its role in opposition without joining the government.

He was responding to questions about whether the People’s Party would attempt to form a government if Bhumjaithai failed to do so. Parit made clear that such a scenario does not apply, given that Bhumjaithai has already secured sufficient support to lead the administration.

Addressing reports that Pheu Thai may seek to reclaim the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry from the Kla Tham Party, Parit said there had been no discussions between Thammanat and the People’s Party. He stressed that negotiations over cabinet portfolios are a matter for coalition partners and not the opposition.

Parit added that the public would want clarity on how coalition parties intend to reconcile differing policies. He said there has yet to be clear indication of the first key policies the new government will prioritise.

The formation of the Bhumjaithai–Pheu Thai coalition marks a significant development in Thailand’s political landscape. With more than 250 MPs, the alliance appears positioned to move forward with cabinet appointments and policy implementation.

Khoasod reported that attention is now likely to turn to the allocation of ministerial posts and the government’s initial legislative agenda. Observers will also be watching how effectively the opposition, led by the People’s Party, scrutinises the coalition’s performance in parliament.

Key Takeaways

• Parit Wacharasindhu confirmed the People’s Party will serve as leader of the opposition following the Bhumjaithai–Pheu Thai coalition.

• He denied any talks with Thammanat Prompow and said cabinet negotiations are for coalition partners.

• The Bhumjaithai coalition commands more than 250 MPs, clearing the way for government formation and policy rollout.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 15 Feb 2026

View full record

Well, they have got four years to build a reputation as a mature and effective political force. As an opposition, they will be operating in a "target rich environment "!

Okay, that's something. At least the paid, appointed Senators didn't have a say.

Always good to have a flour smuggler in office. He knows all about political corruption. Australia's hero...

Good. Anutin and his band of goons need opposition. I'm hopeful that People Power will mature into a very effective coalition and eventually unseat the highly toxic elites and recreate the new power structure in Thailand, that is more representative of the people and the common man.

19 hours ago, JAG said:

Well, they have got four years to build a reputation as a mature and effective political force. As an opposition, they will be operating in a "target rich environment "!

I expect that they will be the targets. The ruling cabal is good at doing that.

29 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Good. Anutin and his band of goons need opposition. I'm hopeful that People Power will mature into a very effective coalition and eventually unseat the highly toxic elites and recreate the new power structure in Thailand, that is more representative of the people and the common man.

The Peoples Power party have many very capable / qualified members with vast respected expert knowledge.

The day will come, soon, when there's an important debate / discussion and the People Party speaker will make mince meat of the actual minister. All helping to rebuild PPs reputation / capabilities.

The importance of a strong opporsition cannot be overstated. If proof is needed, just look at the turmoil in the U.S.

To use an Australian political slogan coined by Don Chipp, the founder of the Australian Democrats in 1980, the task of the opposition is to "Keep the bastards honest"!

I'm sure that (within the constraints of Thailand’s variant of "democracy"), a People’s Party led opposition will certainly hold the Bhumjaithai-Pheu Thai coalition accountable, ensuring they act with integrity and transparency, and keeping them true to their word.

This can only be good for Thailand.

They better get to work before they are ticked off one by one. Or worse the entire party gets disband and its members banned permanently