Bangkok: Captain Thamanat Phromphao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, clarified his absence from the recent Cabinet meeting, attributing it to urgent commitments rather than an intention to avoid Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. He assigned Ms. Narumon Pinyosinwat and Mr. Pai Lik to attend a royal cremation ceremony in Songkhla province.

According to Thai News Agency, Captain Thamanat, who also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Kla Tham Party, made these remarks at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. He was received by Deputy Ministers Nares Thamrongthipyakun and Amin Mayuso, alongside other executives. He confirmed that he had prior engagements and reiterated that there was no deliberate attempt to avoid Mr. Anutin, who was also preoccupied. Despite speculation, he denied any discussions about joining the government, emphasizing that such conversations were premature given the lack of certified election results and existing complaints.

The Prime Minister has indicated that forming a government and appointing ministers remains premature. Captain Thamanat acknowledged the political norm of smaller parties showing support for Mr. Anutin as Prime Minister but reiterated the Kla Tham Party's stance of allowing the leading party to address the matter.

Captain Thamanat was scheduled to attend the royal cremation ceremony of the director of Patong Prathankiriwat School in Songkhla Province. However, due to earlier commitments, he delegated the responsibility to Ms. Narumon and Mr. Pai Lik. He acknowledged the possibility of discussions about a coalition government at the event, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, but considered such discussions inappropriate for the occasion.

A Kla Tham Party executive committee meeting is planned for February 19th. Captain Thamanat highlighted the meeting's importance in setting the party's direction and boosting member confidence before his overseas trip. He instructed the party leader and secretary-general to manage affairs during his absence and warned against any actions that might breach election laws, as the Election Commission is actively investigating election-related matters. Meanwhile, he entrusted the Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Cooperatives with overseeing ministry operations during his absence.