Three small parties back Anutin for Prime Minister

Three small parties have expressed their readiness to endorse Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai party, as the next prime minister, according to Nan Boonthida Somchai, spokesperson for the Bhumjaithai party.

Representatives of the Economic, New Democracy and Mai parties, namely General Rangsi Kitiyansap, Surathin Picharn and Navinda Sawatdetdee respectively, were among core members and MPs-elect who turned up at the Bhumjaithai party headquarters this afternoon for a special meeting.

As head of the New Democracy party, Surathin said the party has agreed to support Anutin’s prime ministerial candidacy unconditionally.

Regarding the Palang Pracharath party, another small party which is interested in joining the Bhumjaithai-led coalition, it is reported that the matter is still the subject of negotiations.

According to the unofficial election results, announced by the Election Commission, the Bhumjaithai party has won 174 constituency and 19 party-list seats.

The party still needs at least an additional 69 seats to enjoy a simple majority in the House of Representatives.

At the party’s meeting today, Anutin thanked Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Suphajee Suthumpun for their help in the election campaign leading to the party’s winning of 193 House seats, including 12 Muslim MPs in the restive Deep South.

With the 12 Muslim MPs-elect, he said he is optimistic that there is greater hope for peace and unity in the three predominantly Muslim southernmost provinces.