PM confident in winning trust as party grows
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, on Sunday expressed confidence his party would gain the trust of the people in the general election expected early next year.
He is buoyed by a steady influx of political groups and influential families choosing to align with the party including Chartthaipattana Party leader Varawut Silpa-archa.
Mr Anutin said his team is accelerating preparations for the election. When asked whether his long-term ambition was to return as prime minister, Mr Anutin answered that his only goal was to earn greater public trust.
On becoming the largest party, he said Bhumjaithai would simply work hard, deliver on its promises, and let results speak for themselves.
He said every policy promised to the people will be implemented to the fullest extent, so citizens can see tangible results.
“If the public sees the party’s dedication, they will be confident and extend their trust,” Mr Anutin said.
Mr Anutin on Sunday welcomed a new wave of MPs defecting from parties in the former coalition government including the Pheu Thai Party, now in the opposition.
Bhumjaithai convened a special meeting at its Bangkok headquarters to establish a new MP candidate recruitment committee.
The event drew several veteran politicians who confirmed their move to the ruling party.
Among them were a group aligned with Chartthaipattana Party leader Varawut Silpa-archa and another headed by Sontaya Kunplome.
Speaking at Bhumjaithai headquarters, Mr Varawut told reporters that Chartthaipattana remains active and its status will become clearer once the election timetable is set.
For now, he said, the group continues to work for people in Nakhon Pathom and Suphan Buri, but cooperation with a larger party would strengthen its ability to deliver results.
When asked whether multiple factions could undermine the party unity, Mr Anutin said: “There are no factions. There is only one team — ‘Team Nu’. Everyone calls me brother. We talk every night.” Nu is Mr Anutin’s nickname in Thai.
He also confirmed the party has not yet discussed prime ministerial candidates for the next election, though Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has begun preliminary talks with the party.
“We must not be complacent. We must keep improving,” he said
Meanwhile, the People’s Party on Sunday unveiled three prime ministerial candidates of its own, signalling its readiness to compete at the national level.
Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, a party-list MP, formally introduced the candidates during a press briefing.
The list consisted of Mr Natthaphong, Sirikanya Tansakul, party-list MP and deputy leader in charge of policy, and Weerayut Kanchuchat, deputy leader in charge of strategy.