Thailand’s Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai Forge Coalition Deal to Form New Government
Leading election winner Bhumjaithai secures Pheu Thai’s support, paving the way for a parliamentary majority and continuity under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
Thailand’s political landscape took a decisive step toward a new government after the Bhumjaithai Party, which emerged as the largest party in the recent general election, sealed a coalition agreement with the Pheu Thai Party.
The pact, announced following meetings between leaders of both parties in Bangkok, brings together two major political forces and sets the stage for a stable ruling majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives.
Bhumjaithai, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, secured the largest share of seats in the election but fell short of the outright majority needed to govern alone.
Pheu Thai, which placed third, agreed to join the coalition talks, enabling the two parties to surpass the 251-seat threshold required to elect a prime minister and form a government.
Leaders described the agreement as a constructive compromise aimed at national stability and continuity after months of political uncertainty.
In a press briefing, Anutin said both parties were committed to overcoming past disputes and working together to advance the country’s development agenda.
Pheu Thai representatives, including their prime ministerial candidate, expressed confidence that the coalition would harness the strengths of both parties to address economic and social priorities.
Discussions also touched on detailed policy coordination and the distribution of ministerial portfolios.
Political analysts noted that the alliance reflects pragmatic politics in the wake of shifting voter preferences.
Pheu Thai, historically dominant in Thai politics and aligned with the Shinawatra political network, suffered its weakest electoral performance in decades, heightening its incentive to join a coalition despite its reduced seat count.
Meanwhile, the coalition with Bhumjaithai positions Anutin to extend his leadership into the next parliamentary term.
Other smaller parties are expected to be invited to participate as additional partners, but the core agreement between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai provides a solid foundation for government formation.
The coalition is anticipated to take office following the formal certification of election results and the election of a prime minister by the new parliament, likely enabling the government to move quickly on legislative and economic initiatives once it is sworn in.
The pact, announced following meetings between leaders of both parties in Bangkok, brings together two major political forces and sets the stage for a stable ruling majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives.
Bhumjaithai, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, secured the largest share of seats in the election but fell short of the outright majority needed to govern alone.
Pheu Thai, which placed third, agreed to join the coalition talks, enabling the two parties to surpass the 251-seat threshold required to elect a prime minister and form a government.
Leaders described the agreement as a constructive compromise aimed at national stability and continuity after months of political uncertainty.
In a press briefing, Anutin said both parties were committed to overcoming past disputes and working together to advance the country’s development agenda.
Pheu Thai representatives, including their prime ministerial candidate, expressed confidence that the coalition would harness the strengths of both parties to address economic and social priorities.
Discussions also touched on detailed policy coordination and the distribution of ministerial portfolios.
Political analysts noted that the alliance reflects pragmatic politics in the wake of shifting voter preferences.
Pheu Thai, historically dominant in Thai politics and aligned with the Shinawatra political network, suffered its weakest electoral performance in decades, heightening its incentive to join a coalition despite its reduced seat count.
Meanwhile, the coalition with Bhumjaithai positions Anutin to extend his leadership into the next parliamentary term.
Other smaller parties are expected to be invited to participate as additional partners, but the core agreement between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai provides a solid foundation for government formation.
The coalition is anticipated to take office following the formal certification of election results and the election of a prime minister by the new parliament, likely enabling the government to move quickly on legislative and economic initiatives once it is sworn in.
