Bhumjaithai seeks “outsiders” for key Cabinet posts

Bhumjaithai Party is in search of technocrats and people outside the political circles to fill key Cabinet posts, including finance and foreign affairs, in a coalition government it is attempting to form with a handful of potential partners, informed sources in the party said.

“We are in the process of approaching outsiders to assume these portfolios,” one of the sources told Thai PBS World but declined to provide details.

They said at least three key Cabinet posts in the new government – finance, foreign affairs and commerce – will be given to technocrats or people from outside the political circles.

The sources said the party needs individuals with expertise and credibility to oversee these key portfolios, which are vital to addressing some of the country’s pressing problems.

The Thai economy has been stagnant, further strained by the tariff war initiated under the Trump administration and the rising cost of living. On the foreign front, Thailand remains entangled in a border conflict with Cambodia, despite the fragile ceasefire currently in place.

Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to be voted Thailand’s new prime minister by the House of Representatives on Friday with conditional support from the People’s Party, the largest political party.

Anutin has listed solving economic problems and settling the conflict with Cambodia as being among his would-be government’s priorities.

With 69 MPs, Bhumjaithai Party will be the biggest party in the coalition it is forming with Kla Tham Party and other breakaway factions from the outgoing Pheu Thai-led coalition.

The People’s Party, with 143 MPs, has pledged to vote for Anutin as the next prime minister in exchange for a commitment to have the House dissolved within four months after presenting its policy.