Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the timeline for the Prime Minister vote is contingent upon the procedures following the election of the Speaker of the House. He confirmed that no date, including March 19th, has been set for the vote. Discussions concerning ministerial quotas have been conducted, adhering to the Constitutional Court's qualifications. Regarding Thammanat Charnvirakul, Anutin noted he hasn't spoken with him yet, but emphasized that their friendship remains intact.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin Charnvirakul, who serves as both Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and leads the Bhumjaithai Party, commented on the procedures after Mr. Sophon Saram, a Bhumjaithai Party MP from Buriram, was elected as Speaker of the House. He indicated that the speed of the Prime Minister's election is dependent on the process of submitting the Speaker's name to His Majesty the King for royal assent. Once the royal decree appointing the Speaker is issued, the House will convene to elect the Prime Minister, a process he believes should not face delays.
Addressing rumors about a March 19th vote for the Prime Minister, Anutin stated he was unaware and clarified that no date could be set until all positions receive royal approval. When asked if the cabinet list would be submitted immediately after the Prime Minister's election, Anutin remarked that everything is proceeding according to established procedures, emphasizing that there are no delays in the process.
Anutin also discussed the process of notifying coalition parties about cabinet quotas, noting that discussions occur after the Prime Minister's selection. He added that there is ample time, as the coalition parties will submit their names after the Prime Minister's official appointment. These names will then be submitted to the Prime Minister's Secretariat for qualification verification.
When questioned about the scrutiny of ministerial qualifications, particularly concerning ethics, Anutin mentioned that guidelines from the Constitutional Court are in place, and hopes all political parties will thoroughly screen their nominees. He emphasized that the Bhumjaithai Party will also undergo rigorous scrutiny. Regulations require presentation to the executive committee, necessitating caution in nominee selection. Anutin stressed the importance of respecting coalition parties and maintaining high standards for consideration, ensuring nominees are chosen without issues.
Addressing whether he was confident the cabinet list would meet public expectations, Anutin expressed optimism, acknowledging that the process is thorough and adheres to ethical principles. He remarked that public wishes are a priority, contributing to the meticulous process.
In response to questions about his interactions with Captain Thamanat Phromphao, the chief advisor of the Kla Tham Party, during the first parliamentary session, Anutin shared that he had not yet met Captain Thamanat due to the large number of people present but had spoken with many MPs, including Mr. Akkra Phromphao, the MP for Phayao and Captain Thamanat's younger brother, affirming their friendship remains unchanged.