Anutin insists there is no pre-election political deal

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted today (Tuesday) that his Bhumjaithai Party has not made a pre-election deal with any political party.

Anutin raised journalists’ eyebrows when he embraced Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in front of them following the weekly Cabinet meeting today.

“There is nothing to it. No deal has been made with any party,” Anutin said.

Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party is widely expected to emerge as a formidable force in the upcoming general election and is likely to act as king-maker in the forming of any post-election coalition.

Anutin joined other Cabinet members in offering birthday wishes to Prime Minister Prayut, after the Cabinet meeting at Government House.

When asked whether he hoped to work with Anutin in forming the next coalition, Prayut said “You are asking a long shot question.”