Bangkok: “It’s over, sir,” Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, declared as he ordered officials to vacate the ministry premises, signaling a decisive end to negotiations following the emergence of unresolved conditions regarding the Cabinet reshuffle.

According to Thai News Agency, the statement came after Dr. Ming presented the final conditions, prompting Mr. Anutin to express readiness to assume a role in the opposition. Despite the Prime Minister’s assertion that conditions for the reshuffle had not been finalized, Mr. Anutin maintained that he had communicated his position to Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister.

In a conversation with Dr. Prommin, Mr. Anutin emphasized that there would be no changes to the agreed-upon conditions. He clarified that he had not yet engaged in direct talks with the Prime Minister, noting that Dr. Prommin was acting as a representative of the Pheu Thai Party. Mr. Anutin expressed surprise at media knowledge of his directive to collect items from the ministry, stating it was meant to avoid unnecessary delays.

In further remarks, Mr. Anutin dismissed the prospect of compromise, stating that the proposal was definitive and not open to negotiation. He also addressed inquiries about party positions within the Bhumjaithai Party, indicating a willingness to transition to the opposition, as echoed by Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Regarding the economic policy meeting’s 1.57 million baht budget, Mr. Anutin expressed no concern over the State Audit Office’s warning, emphasizing adherence to legal processes and transparency. He acknowledged past warnings related to the rice pledging scheme and underscored the importance of caution in budget utilization.

Mr. Anutin addressed the potential impact of opposition status on Bhumjaithai’s legislative agenda, affirming the party’s continued support for the Entertainment Complex Act. He also reflected on past criticisms, reiterating his readiness to serve effectively in the opposition, referencing his prior experience in 2011.

He joked about training with ‘Ice Ratchanok’ to prepare for his new role, and clarified that he has not yet engaged with opposition leader Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut. Despite political shifts, Mr. Anutin expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to parliamentary proceedings, whether in government or opposition.