Anutin leaves door open for Kla Tham Party in cabinet
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hints at political possibilities after the Kla Tham Party backed the 3.788 trillion baht budget bill.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul states political doors remain open for potential coalition expansion.
- Kla Tham Party contributes 56 votes to pass the 3.788 trillion baht FY2070 budget bill.
- The Thai Senate overwhelmingly approves the budget legislation with 145 votes.
Thai politics saw a significant shift as Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke at the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) on September 11 regarding the unexpected support from the opposition Kla Tham Party. The party's decision to vote in favor of the fiscal year 2070 budget bill has sparked widespread discussion about potential future coalition realignments and the strengthening of the government's legislative base.
Addressing reporters, the Prime Minister mentioned he has not yet held private discussions with Captain Thamanat Prompow, leader of the Kla Tham Party, but noted their decades-long relationship as contemporaries. When asked about the possibility of incorporating the party into the administration over the next four years, Anutin emphasized that in politics, nothing is impossible and all scenarios remain viable to build confidence among citizens and international investors.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
According to the House of Representatives records, the budget bill totaling 3.788 trillion baht was approved by a majority of 338 to 144 votes, with 2 abstentions. The affirmative votes primarily came from coalition parties including Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai, and Prachachat, alongside 56 unexpected votes from the opposition Kla Tham Party members.
Captain Thamanat Prompow clarified that his party's voting decision followed a unified internal consensus based on rationale and legislative responsibility. Meanwhile, in the Senate chaired by First Deputy Senate President General Kriangkrai Srirak, the upper house completed its review within the mandated 20-day timeframe, passing the budget with 145 votes in favor, 5 against, and 12 abstentions following debates by 30 senators.
"How many decades has it been? If we compare generations, we are from the same era."
Anutin Charnvirakul
Meanwhile, at the Democrat Party headquarters, list-MP and party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva addressed the upcoming Election Commission (EC) meeting scheduled for September 14 concerning the Senate selection collusion case. Abhisit warned that if the EC departs from established legal precedents, the Democrat Party will support affected individuals in filing criminal malfeasance charges under Article 157 against the independent body in the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases.
The strategic alignment of opposition votes with the government's budget highlights the fluid nature of parliamentary politics in Thailand and hints at potential cabinet reshuffles. Simultaneously, the strict legal scrutiny from opposition figures regarding independent agencies underscores ongoing tensions surrounding institutional accountability.
Source: Matichon Politics
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