Anutin Affirms Coalition Stability Amid Tensions
The Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), have reiterated their commitment to maintaining coalition unity in an effort to mitigate rising tensions. Bhumjaithai leader and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that the government currently enjoys a significant degree of stability, with no imminent risks threatening its composition.
“This administration commands an unprecedented majority in the House of Representatives, unlike any seen in recent years,” Anutin stated, commending Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for her demonstrated leadership and effective governance. He noted that collaboration among coalition members is progressing effectively.
“Minor disagreements between coalition parties are expected and manageable. There are no substantial conflicts that cannot be resolved,” he added.
When questioned about a recent golf outing with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Anutin clarified that BJT does not seek to oppose Pheu Thai but rather expresses its viewpoints on issues considered beneficial for the nation while respecting majority decisions.
In response to implications that the coalition formed under duress, Anutin stated that the coalition government is driven by a commitment to serve the public rather than coercion.
Regarding the potential for the government to function without BJT, Anutin remarked that no party is indispensable. “At any moment, any party can choose to part ways. Nothing is indispensable,” he affirmed.
On whether the coalition would remain intact until the end of its term and persist in future administrations, Anutin emphasized that the cabinet’s primary responsibility is to govern effectively.
“In a coalition government, the prime minister must be recognized as the clear leader. Coalition leaders who refuse to heed the PM’s directives should reconsider their cabinet positions,” he asserted.
Anutin also addressed the ongoing Khao Kradong land dispute in Buri Ram, Bhumjaithai’s political stronghold, which has the potential to escalate tensions between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Department of Lands (DoL). “All parties must await the Administrative Court’s ruling,” he remarked.
The controversy involves approximately 5,083 rai of land in Buri Ram’s Muang district, with the SRT accusing the DoL of wrongdoing for issuing land papers to unlawful occupants. Notably, the Chidchob family, linked to several businesses, including the Buriram International Circuit, is associated with the issue.
The SRT filed a case with the Administrative Court in September 2021 seeking to revoke 900 land title deeds issued by the DoL and remove illegal occupants, following a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that confirmed the land ownership belonged to the SRT. Among the disputed deeds, 12 covering 179 rai reportedly belong to the Chidchob family.
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a key figure in Pheu Thai, reinforced the coalition’s unity on Saturday, highlighting that despite differing opinions on specific issues, all parties share a common objective of advancing the nation.