Anutin Dismisses Allegations of Bhumjaithai Party’s Involvement in Senate Election Collusion

Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul has firmly reiterated that the Bhumjaithai Party was not involved in any collusion regarding the Senate elections. He criticized the People's Party for making unfounded accusations and labeled them as sore losers. Anutin emphasized that Naphinthorn should address the issue first, clarifying that the government's timeline and the Senate elections are separate matters. He confirmed that the party had issued a strict directive prohibiting any involvement in the elections. According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the People's Party's claims linking the 36th committee to the Advanced Political and Election Development Course (APEDC). He stated that there was no basis for such accusations and suggested that Parit Wacharasindhu, a People's Party MP, should respond to questions from Napin Srisarppang, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office. Anutin noted that during their televised discussion, the public could disce rn who was being truthful. He warned against retaliatory actions, urging for maturity among representatives, and stressed that the Bhumjaithai Party had no role in the alleged collusion in the Senate election. Anutin further reiterated that the Bhumjaithai Party had no involvement in the Senate election, highlighting that a directive was issued a month before the election prohibiting party members from interfering. He emphasized that if the media wanted to discuss the alleged collusion, they must also acknowledge this directive, which remains in effect. Anutin pointed out that the timeline of his government's power did not align with the Senate elections, further disproving any claims of involvement from the Bhumjaithai Party. He explained that during 2024, when the Bhumjaithai Party was a coalition government partner, there was no motivation to engage with the Senate issue. The party's growth from 50 to 193 seats was attributed to their service and work, independent of Senate influence. Anutin underscored that Bhumjaithai Party's involvement in government was based on merit since 2019, and there was no connection to the Senate's actions. Anutin dismissed suggestions that the collusion issue among senators could destabilize the government, pointing out the impossibility of linking the timelines of the government's and Senate's powers. He humorously compared the situation to unrelated roads, implying that the opposition's attempts to connect the two are futile. He concluded by advising the opposition to pursue their claims if they wished, but reiterated the lack of connection.