Bangkok: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has publicly clarified the reasons behind the recent dissolution of parliament, emphasizing that the decision was made to "return power to the people." He explained that the Bhumjaithai Party was able to form a government due to public support and assured that the party has fulfilled all necessary terms of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). However, he noted that the issue concerning the Senate's power to vote on constitutional amendments, specifically Article 256/28, was not included in the agreement.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anutin disclosed that the leader of the People's Party had previously expressed in parliament that if the Bhumjaithai Party did not vote in alignment with his wishes, he wanted parliament dissolved. In response, Mr. Anutin decided to comply. He explained, "He appointed me as Prime Minister, and when he said he did not support me, he asked for the parliament to be dissolved. I followed his instructions. It was according to etiquette and the proper procedure."
Before reaching this decision, there was ongoing communication and coordination, with Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul serving as the main coordinator. Addressing the pressure stemming from a potential no-confidence motion under Article 151, Mr. Anutin considered it a related issue, as the People's Party had clearly expressed their desire for parliament to be dissolved.
Mr. Anutin emphasized that the Bhumjaithai Party cannot "force or persuade Senators" to vote in line with the party's wishes and denied allegations of political betrayal. He insisted that the MOA did not address the Senate's power and affirmed Bhumjaithai's commitment to its original promises, such as not increasing the number of MPs or attempting to form a majority.
Despite being a minority government, the Bhumjaithai Party aimed to address unresolved issues, advance trade negotiations, enhance security, and restore Thailand's position on the world stage. Mr. Anutin also revealed that the draft royal decree to dissolve parliament had been "prepared since the first day in office," with only the timing being adjusted.
When questioned about the possibility of future collaboration with the People's Party, Mr. Anutin stated, "Anything is possible."
In closing, Mr. Anutin reiterated that since those who entrusted him with governing the country have asked him to stop at this point, "we will return power to the people."