Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has committed to delivering tangible results prior to a House dissolution in four months.
He addressed speculation surrounding a possible dissolution, saying he does not want the press or political analysts to keep claiming the government will seek excuses to avoid an election.
He said the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed with the People’s Party is a binding commitment, akin to a contract, comprising five specific provisions, all of which must be upheld. These include matters related to charter amendments, as well as a clear commitment not to form a majority government.
When asked about the opposition’s focus on scrutinising the capabilities of cabinet ministers rather than the government’s policies, Mr Anutin said that thorough vetting had taken place prior to submitting the final list.
This vetting was not done internally, but through formal processes involving state agencies, as coordinated by the secretariat of the cabinet.
Seven agencies, including the Council of State, were convened to conduct these reviews. Mr Anutin said no ineligible individuals remained on the list.
“Who I choose to have a meal with is my own business,” said Mr Anutin. “But I have not sought to create a majority coalition,” referring to reports he had met would-be politcal opponents.
Mr Anutin affirmed that every point and clause of the agreement would be respected and implemented.
He also referred to remarks on Friday by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, asserting that a “Day 121” scenario would never occur — a sentiment echoed by Mr Anutin, who said, “There will be no Day 121″.
When asked about growing speculation he could return as prime minister after the next election, Mr Anutin said: ”Let’s not jump ahead. I’m focused on doing my best each and every day.
“The matter of elections is just that — a matter for the electoral process, which ultimately comes down to policy. Of course, the responsibility has grown heavier now that Bhumjaithai Party has returned to government and its party leader is serving as prime minister.
“I must fulfil my duties to the highest standard. Otherwise, the public may choose not to support us. So, we must do everything we can to win the people’s confidence,” Mr Anutin said.
He also sought to reassure the public of his commitment, regardless of the timeline.
“What matters now is that, over the next four months, I will dedicate myself fully to this role. I want the people to have confidence that these four months will be a period of maximum effort. I will do everything possible to deliver the greatest benefit to the public,” he said.
During a seminar at Thammasat University on Friday, Mr Thanathorn commented on the new government’s commitments under the terms of the MoA.
When asked whether he believed the government would fully comply, Mr Thanathorn said: “I don’t believe in any other reasoning. There will be no ‘Day 121’. What would be gained if they stayed on for one more month — or six? What do they gain or lose?”
“This is what will transform Bhumjaithai into a major political party. It’s about keeping promises, just as the Democrat Party or Thai Rak Thai did in the past.”
Mr Thanathorn also acknowledged that exceeding the 120-day timeline might still occur under certain circumstances, such as an unexpected political crisis.
“If, for instance, tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border were to escalate again, that could change the situation. But if they remain in office for a year or more, I don’t believe Bhumjaithai will gain more votes in the next election,” he said.
