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BJT's rise cast shadow over watchdogs
Bangkok Post
|March 21, 2026
Following parliament's decisive vote for a new prime minister, Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul is making a triumphant comeback.
A photo from Thursday shows Anutin Charnvirakul interacting with Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob after he was elected the country's new prime minister in a parliamentary vote.
(REUTERS)
He now wields something akin to near-absolute power, having effectively seized control of the country's major political mechanisms and institutions.This control — or perhaps manipulation — is palpable in the unfolding of three high-profile legal cases involving BJT members and their affiliated networks. These include alleged Senate poll fraud, the wealth concealment of former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob, and the Khao Kradong land encroachment saga in Buri Ram province, a longstanding controversy closely tied to the party’s heartland.
Last week, these highly controversial cases were swiftly cleared by the Election Commission (EC), the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Such timing, coming shortly ahead of the crucial prime ministerial selection, strikes many as being far too much of a coincidence. Political observers widely believe this coordinated clearing of the decks is aimed squarely at preempting future complaints and avoiding the kind of lawfare that could disrupt ministerial qualifications just as Mr Anutin is carefully forming his new cabinet.
These dubious incidents have inevitably triggered wide speculation of further manipulation and power plays during the BJT’s reign, sending public trust in independent agencies plunging to new depths. The favourable resolution of these cases also raises serious eyebrows, given Mr Anutin’s solemn pledge to form a “zero-grey” government and apply strict ethical standards when selecting his cabinet ministers.
This story is from the March 21, 2026 edition of Bangkok Post.
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