Bangkok: The Bhumjaithai Party has successfully closed a deal to form a new government, securing control over 14 ministries and a total of 26 positions, including key roles such as the Speaker of the House and the First Deputy Speaker.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bhumjaithai Party's executive committee submitted an extensive list of nominees for party leader Anutin Charnvirakul's approval, which exceeded the required number of positions, ensuring a strong presence in the new administration.
At a recent seminar held for 192 Bhumjaithai Party MPs in Buriram province, the executive committee presented a comprehensive list of candidates for ministerial positions. This list, which exceeded the available positions, was designed for selection by Anutin Charnvirakul and will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat for multi-agency verification. The Bhumjaithai Party's control over 14 ministries includes significant portfolios such as Interior, Defence, Transport, and Finance, divided into three quota groups.
Anutin's quota includes five positions: Anutin Charnvirakul himself as Minister of Interior, Sihasak Phuangketkaew as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ekniti Nitithanpraphas as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Supajee Suthamphan as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, and Bowornsak Uwanno as Deputy Prime Minister. The big family group quota includes notable figures like Songsak Thongsri and Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, among others.
The coalition arrangement also involves the Pheu Thai Party, which was allocated eight people across nine positions. Pheu Thai submitted a list exceeding their quota, with the responsibility of selecting suitable candidates that adhere to the Constitutional Court's rulings. The cabinet includes positions such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives remains undecided.
Palang Pracharath Party will receive one ministerial position, specifically allocated to Treenuch Thianthong. Smaller parties with minimal seats will not secure ministerial roles, as the Bhumjaithai Party aims to avoid vote consolidation or faction formation. The position of Minister of Defence remains pending final assessment.
The cabinet formation, finalized after Anutin Charnvirakul's election as Prime Minister, reflects the party's strategy of placing appropriate individuals in key roles to ensure cohesive ministry operations and direct reporting to the Prime Minister. The government will consist of 291 seats from the Bhumjaithai Party, Pheu Thai Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Prachachart Party, and smaller parties, excluding the Kla Tham Party, the Democrat Party, and the Thai Ruam Palang Party.