Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed reports suggesting that a governmental coalition has been formed with 300 votes, stating it is premature to discuss such matters. He emphasized the uncertainty prevailing due to ongoing vote recounts in several districts, urging patience until the Election Commission provides clarity. Anutin also humorously addressed the "traffic light government" analogy related to forming new political alliances.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who leads the Bhumjaithai Party, responded to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn's claims about finalizing a government deal with 300 votes. When reporters questioned him about the issue, Anutin humorously deflected by asking, "Who said that?" and lightly teased the reporters by saying, "Are you accusing me?" He emphasized that he is the one handling the deal, but no substantive discussions have occurred yet.
Anutin highlighted that the recount process for proportional representation votes in several constituencies is ongoing, with updates being provided by the Election Commission (EC). He noted that discussing government formation deals is premature because the final number of Members of Parliament is still undetermined. "If everything is not finalized, we cannot talk to anyone," he stressed, indicating that no formal negotiations have started yet.
When questioned about the potential invalidation of the election due to a barcode issue, Anutin briefly responded, "I don't know," and reiterated that the Election Commission operates independently of the government.
Concerning the rumors of a "traffic light government," which would see the Pheu Thai Party, the Kla Tham Party, and the Prachachon Party forming a coalition government potentially pushing Bhumjaithai into opposition, Anutin chose not to answer directly, instead chuckling softly at the suggestion.
Regarding speculation about a surprise development following Thammanat Phromphao, the party's chief advisor, returning from abroad on February 25th, Anutin remarked, "I haven't heard anything." When asked if he feared Thammanat revealing something significant or holding a strategic advantage, Anutin retorted, "What do you mean by 'afraid'?"
When further pressed about the possibility of a competing majority "traffic light" government overthrowing the current one, Anutin laughed and responded, "Really?" indicating his skepticism about such a scenario.