Media reports yesterday (Feb 25) said Bhumjaithai has secured 19 Cabinet seats spanning 14 ministries, underscoring its central role in assembling a parliamentary majority. Of these, five positions fall within the prime minister’s quota, including deputy prime ministerial posts combined with key ministerial portfolios, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Defence Ministry remains under consideration, with speculation that an external candidate - a so-called “outsider” - could be appointed to strike a political balance and reassure coalition partners.
Under the proposed allocation, Bhumjaithai is expected to oversee the Interior, Finance, Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Energy, Tourism and Sports, Natural Resources and Environment, Industry, Public Health, Culture, Justice, Digital Economy and Society ministries, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office.
The breadth of these portfolios reflects both the party’s numerical strength in the House and its leverage in coalition negotiations.
Anutin is tipped to serve concurrently as prime minister and interior minister, consolidating authority over provincial administration and security affairs. Other anticipated appointments include Songsak Thongsri and Sasithorn Kittitharakul as deputy interior ministers; Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn at the helm of the Transport Ministry; Chaichanok Chidchob at Digital Economy and Society; Pattana Promphat at Public Health; Akanat Promphan at Industry; Suchart Chomklin at Natural Resources and Environment.
The Pheu Thai Party has been allocated eight seats and is expected to take charge of the Agriculture and Cooperatives, Education, Labour and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation ministries. Among those named are Julapun Amornvivat, Prasert Jantararuangtong, and Suriya Jungrungreangkit - all regarded as experienced political operators with prior ministerial exposure.
The allocation signals Pheu Thai’s relevance within the coalition, albeit in a secondary role to Bhumjaithai. Three remaining cabinet posts are likely to be divided between the Palang Pracharath Party and a cluster of smaller parties, with the Social Development and Human Security Ministry among the portfolios under discussion. The Thai Ruam Palang Party, holding six MPs, has declared its readiness to back Anutin’s premiership, citing policy alignment - particularly on border management and regional security.
While formal invitations have yet to be issued, observers expect the party to receive one deputy ministerial position should it enter the coalition.
Bhumjaithai is also preparing to unveil additional coalition partners, including the Palang Pracharath Party and the New Opportunity Party, which would raise confirmed support for Anutin to at least 292 votes. At present, Bhumjaithai commands 192 MPs and Pheu Thai 75, with the rest drawn from a patchwork of medium-sized and minor parties, each contributing between one and five seats.
Attention is therefore turning to whether the Klatham Party will ultimately join the government or assume an opposition role.
Pai Leeke, Klatham’s secretary-general, says the party has set no preconditions for joining the administration. He said the party is not seeking ministerial portfolios and Capt Thamanat Prompow, the party’s chief adviser, himself does not wish to assume any Cabinet position.