Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, made a discreet entrance through the back entrance of the party headquarters at 12:30 PM to preside over a critical meeting of Bhumjaithai MPs at 3:00 PM. The focus of the meeting was to discuss government formation strategies and closely monitor the stance of the People's Party, which holds a crucial role in the upcoming prime ministerial vote.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin's strategic meeting coincides with a scheduled gathering of the Prachachon Party, which aims to align its MPs at 1:00 PM to exchange views and decide on the conditions proposed by the Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai parties. The political landscape remains tense as parties negotiate their stances in a bid to form a stable government.
Key figures from the Bhumjaithai Party's executive board, including Deputy Leader Siriphong Angkasakulkiat, Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob, Deputy Secretary-General Jesse Thaiset, and Registrar Traisulee Traisaranakul, were seen arriving at the headquarters. MPs such as Pharadorn Prisananantakul, Nan Bunthida Somchai, Phakamas Charoenphan, and Chalat Ratchakitprakarn also joined the gathering, signifying the importance of this meeting.
Internal reports from the Bhumjaithai Party indicate that Anutin currently has the backing of 138 votes, comprising 69 votes from Bhumjaithai Party, 25 from Klatham Party, 18 from Palang Pracharath Party, 16 from Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, 2 from the Democrat Party, 3 from Thai Sang Thai Party, 4 from small parties, and 1 from Tham Party. With an additional 143 votes from the People's Party, the combined total would be 281 votes.
The Bhumjaithai Party is strategically managing its votes to ensure they do not exceed 290, aligning with the original intentions communicated between the People's Party and the Bhumjaithai Party. This maneuver is essential to avoid forming a majority government, which remains a concern for the People's Party.