Politics
Deputy PM Thong-sri Addresses Rumors of Cabinet Expansion
Deputy Prime Minister Thong-sri Thongsri has dismissed reports regarding the potential inclusion of the Kla Tham Party in the current government coalition.
On September 23, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Thong-sri Thongsri addressed media inquiries at Government House regarding circulating rumors that the Bhumjaithai Party intends to invite the Kla Tham Party to join the ruling coalition. Thong-sri stated that these reports are currently only speculative, noting that he has not been involved in any such discussions or formal negotiations.
Public interest in the matter was piqued following social media posts showing Captain Thamanat Prompow, leader of the Kla Tham Party, wearing a watch engraved with the name of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. When asked if this accessory signaled a political alliance, Thong-sri suggested that such interpretations should be directed to Captain Thamanat himself. He emphasized that political shifts and the rotation of parties within a government are standard occurrences in democratic processes, and that the current administration remains focused on national stability and policy implementation.
For residents and observers, this situation highlights the ongoing fluidity of Thailand’s political landscape. While the Deputy Prime Minister has downplayed the significance of the rumors, the lack of official confirmation regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle means that the composition of the government remains subject to change. Further developments depend on official announcements from the Prime Minister’s office, as no concrete plans for expansion have been verified at this time.