“Songsak” quells rumors over “Anutin” meeting “Thamanat” to bring kla tham into government and control pheu thai, insists they are familiar acquaintances, says cabinet reshuffle is prime minister's authority

Today (20 October 2026) at 9:00 AM at Government House, Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister, gave an interview regarding the case of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, dining with Captain Thamanat Prompow, Leader of the Kla Tham Party, which led to interpretations that it might open the way for the Kla Tham Party to join the government.

He stated that it was more a matter of interpretation because dining together is a normal occurrence, especially given that everyone is a politician and familiar with one another beforehand.

Although political status might cause them to be seen as belonging to different factions, outside the House of Representatives, politicians can talk and meet normally without dividing themselves into opposition or government sides. He reiterated that they remain friendly and are not adversaries. As for rumors suggesting this might be an attempt to bring allies into the government or prevent the Pheu Thai Party from breaking ranks during the no-confidence vote, Mr. Songsak stated it was purely overthinking.

Regarding news rumors of a cabinet reshuffle after the no-confidence debate, including reports that the Kla Tham Party might receive the Ministry of Labour quota replacing an existing coalition partner, Mr. Songsak said he had heard such rumors as well but could not answer, as the decision falls under the authority of the Prime Minister as head of the government.

Mr. Songsak also addressed the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, noting that political work normally involves changes or reassignments of ministers to oversee other ministries over time, but it does not mean every instance is a cabinet reshuffle. He added that the government has only been working for a short period, but if necessary, it depends on the Prime Minister's consideration.

Regarding the emphasis on key performance indicators (KPI), Mr. Songsak stated that each ministry is working according to its assigned duties as usual, with ongoing meetings and monitoring of progress.