Thailand Coalition Talks: Bhumjaithai Weighs Options as Kla Tham Joins Without Conditions
Bangkok, Thailand – Negotiations to form Thailand’s next government are progressing, with the Bhumjaithai Party currently leading coalition talks. Recent developments include the Kla Tham Party agreeing to join the coalition without preconditions, bolstering Bhumjaithai’s position, although tensions remain over key ministerial portfolios, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Bhumjaithai’s Strengthening Position
The Bhumjaithai Party, which secured 193 seats in the February 8th election, is aiming to solidify a governing coalition. Adding the 58 seats held by the Kla Tham Party brings the potential total to 355 seats , significantly strengthening their majority. Currently, the Bhumjaithai-led government formation formula holds 297 seats from 15 parties, including the Pheu Thai Party (74 seats) .
Kla Tham’s Conditional Support
While Kla Tham has agreed to join the coalition, the agreement came without demanding specific ministerial positions. This shift in stance comes after initial bargaining for portfolios like the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports . The party, led by Capt. Thammanat Prompow, initially sought to retain control of key ministries, but appears to have softened its position to avoid being excluded from the government .
Ministry of Agriculture at the Center of Dispute
A key sticking point in negotiations remains control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Bhumjaithai reportedly wants to oversee this ministry, specifically aiming for Suphajee to lead both the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture to demonstrate performance . This ambition clashes with the interests of Capt. Thammanat Prompow, chairman of Kla Tham’s advisory board, who also seeks a ministerial seat .
Concerns Over Stability and Cabinet Positions
Despite having a majority of 297 seats, Bhumjaithai is considering including Kla Tham to strengthen government stability, even if it means increased bargaining over ministerial positions . Yet, concerns exist within Bhumjaithai regarding the backgrounds of Kla Tham party figures, potentially leading to petitions seeking the prime minister’s removal . The addition of Kla Tham brings the total parliamentary seats for the Bhumjaithai-led coalition to 341, compared to 140 for the opposition bloc, primarily composed of the People’s Party and the Democrats .
Current Seat Distribution
The current composition of the Bhumjaithai-led coalition includes:
- Bhumjaithai Party: 193 seats
- Pheu Thai Party: 74 seats
- Thai Ruam Palang Party: 6 seats
- Palang Pracharath Party: 5 seats
- Prachachat Party: 5 seats
- Economic Party: 3 seats
- Thai Sang Thai Party: 2 seats
- Puea Chart Thai Party: 2 seats
- New Democracy Party: 1 seat
- New Party: 1 seat
- Ruam Jai Thai Party: 1 seat
- Thai Sap Thawee Party: 1 seat
- Ruam Phalang Prachachon Party: 1 seat
- New Opportunity Party: 1 seat
- Miti Mai Party: 1 seat
- Kla Tham Party: 58 seats
Further discussions are expected, with Capt. Thammanat Prompow scheduled to meet privately with Prime Minister Anutin after the upcoming cabinet meeting .