Bangkok: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, in his role as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, interacted with new party members today. Notable attendees included Mr. Krisada Leenawarat, former mayor of Thanyaburi, and former MPs from the Pheu Thai Party such as Mr. Manasnan Leenawarat and Ms. Sudarat Pitakpornpallop.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anutin, alongside Mr. Napin Srisarppang, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, welcomed the new members by presenting Bhumjaithai Party shirts. Among the new members were former MPs from various political backgrounds, including Mr. Manasnan and Ms. Picharat Saohapongchana from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, and several former MPs from the Pheu Thai and Democrat parties.

During the event, Mr. Anutin was questioned by reporters about the party’s strategy, specifically whether there would be enough constituencies to field candidates given the influx of new applicants. He chose not to respond to this inquiry.

When further questioned about whether the Bhumjaithai Party would be considered the number one party, Mr. Anutin smiled, rolled his eyes, and refrained from giving a direct answer. Reporters also pressed him on whether the former Chart Thai Development Party leader, Varawut Silpa-archa, was confident in the Bhumjaithai Party’s ability to lead the government formation. Anutin remarked, “We’ve done our best, and we have to fight to the fullest.”

When asked about the possibility of returning as Prime Minister, Anutin again avoided a direct response, opting instead to smile at the reporters before heading upstairs at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters.