At 9:00 a.m. on June 19, Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn arrived at the Ministry of Labour after the Bhumjaithai Party announced its immediate withdrawal from the coalition government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Reporters described a warm atmosphere at the ministry, where Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyut, along with executives and officials, gathered to greet and offer encouragement to the minister outside his office on the 6th floor. Mr. Pipat appeared pleased and expressed gratitude to the civil servants for their support.
He stated that the party could not accept the current political situation, and personally, he could not either. He added that it was now up to the Prime Minister to decide whether to resign or dissolve Parliament. If the latter occurs, things would need to be reconsidered. However, if resignation is chosen, a new prime minister would need to be elected—a preferable option in his view. Potential parties with viable candidates include Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, and Palang Pracharath, though he acknowledged this outcome is unlikely.
Mr. Pipat encouraged civil servants to continue working as usual under the supervision of the ministry’s permanent secretary, noting that political roles are temporary. He emphasized the importance of continuing key reforms, especially concerning the Social Security Fund and the Department of Skill Development.
He reassured staff not to worry about his departure, saying he might return or not, but what matters is that the ministry remains stable under its institutional structure, not dependent on any one minister. He thanked everyone for their support and pledged to do all he could to return.