BANGKOK, Thailand – Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul signaled a definitive end to coalition negotiations, instructing his staff to remove personal belongings from the ministry and declaring, “It’s over, sir.”
Speaking to reporters at Government House, Anutin confirmed that he would not meet with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as talks had already been held through her secretary-general Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej. According to Anutin, Prommin delivered Pheu Thai’s final offer, which Bhumjaithai refused.
“There’s nothing left to clear up. We were told this was their final card. We declined. That’s it,” Anutin said.
Anutin dismissed rumors of a last-minute compromise, emphasizing that his party will now move to the opposition benches. He praised deputy house speaker Paradorn Prisnananthakul for also preparing to resign his post, calling it an honorable move. “It’s best this way—clean separation.”
Anutin added that he enjoys being underestimated. “People mock us for never being in the opposition. Let’s see how we perform,” he said, joking that he’d begin training with Move Forward MP Ice Rakchanok to sharpen his opposition skills.
He also addressed concerns raised by Thailand’s Auditor General over a 1.57-billion-baht economic stimulus package. Anutin welcomed the scrutiny, saying it helps ensure transparency and prevent mistakes, unlike in the rice-pledging scheme a decade ago.
When asked about his party’s policy priorities—such as legalizing entertainment complexes including casinos—Anutin insisted that Bhumjaithai would continue pushing the issue from the opposition side.
“Opposition doesn’t mean obstruction. If it’s right, we support it. If it’s wrong, we oppose it—freely and clearly,” he said.
Anutin concluded that while he hasn’t spoken with opposition leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, he’s confident the new political alignment will allow for effective scrutiny of the government. (TNA)
