(KPL/VNA) Thailand’s caretaker leader Anutin Charnvirakul has been selected by the Bhumjaithai Party as its candidate for prime minister in the general election scheduled for early February 2026.

Speaking to party members and supporters on December 24, Anutin said both he and the Bhumjaithai Party are ready to return to power, describing the February 8 election as “the most consequential poll” for the conservative political outfit since its formation in 2008.

The party will campaign with a focus on addressing major challenges facing Thailand: economic and social risks, natural disasters caused by both natural and human factors, and security threats related to border issues. He stressed that his government had made every effort over the past two months to address border-related problems.

The caretaker prime minister also pledged a crackdown on what he described as “grey networks,” including scam operations, gambling rings and casinos, as well as “grey capital,” while proposing the creation of a national “protective barrier” to shield citizens from such threats.

If re-elected, Anutin said key members of his cabinet would remain in place, including Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.

Anutin was elected Thai Prime Minister on September 5 following an agreement between the Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party, which holds the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives. However, on December 11 he dissolved the House, paving the way for an early general election as his minority government faced the risk of a no-confidence vote.

A nationwide survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) shows Bhumjaithai polling at 9.92%, ranking fourth among major parties, while 32.36% of voters remain undecided.

Earlier, the Pheu Thai Party announced three prime ministerial candidates for the February 8 election, while the Democrat Party said it would unveil its list of contenders later this week, possibly including former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

KPL