On June 17, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated on the program “Inside Thailand” that if the Pheu Thai-led government insists on taking over the Interior Ministry as part of the Cabinet reshuffle, the Bhumjaithai Party would have no choice but to leave the coalition and become the opposition.
Anutin emphasized that there is no room for further compromise, saying, “If we can’t stay in the Interior Ministry, Bhumjaithai has no other option. We’ll step back into the opposition. At this point, nothing can change.” He stressed that the party is adhering to a prior agreement made with all coalition partners that Bhumjaithai would oversee four key ministries, including the Interior Ministry.
He clarified that the issue is not a personal matter between the Prime Minister and a minister, but a party-to-party matter. When asked to confirm whether not receiving the Interior Ministry means Bhumjaithai would move to the opposition, Anutin responded firmly, “That’s clear. We have our dignity — it cannot be trampled on.”