Bangkok, December 24th, 2025 – Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was officially named the Bhumjaithai Party’s candidate for prime minister on Wednesday, as the conservative party kicked off its campaign for the February 8 snap general election.
Speaking at a policy unveiling event in Bangkok, Anutin declared the party “ready to return to power,” calling the upcoming poll the “most consequential” for Bhumjaithai since its founding in 2008. He stated high public expectations and pledged continuity if re-elected.
Key figures from his current cabinet are expected to retain prominent roles, including:
– Sihasak Phuangketkeow as Foreign Minister (and potential Deputy PM)
– Suphajee Suthumpun as Commerce Minister (and potential Deputy PM)
– Ekniti Nitithanprapas as Finance Minister (and potential Deputy PM)
The party is fielding candidates in all 400 constituencies for the first time, alongside a full party-list slate, aiming to capitalize on local networks and a wave of nationalism amid the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict.
Bhumjaithai, which placed third in the 2023 election, positions itself strongly in the three-way race against the progressive People’s Party and populist Pheu Thai. Recent polls show it at around 10% nationally, but analysts note its strength in constituency races could yield a stronger performance.
