Bhumjaithai Party

History

On 15 December 2008, the party endorsed the Democrat Party, forming a six-party coalition government under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The party's "de facto" leader and power broker behind joining the Democrat-led coalition is Newin Chidchob. Due to his role as an executive of the PPP predecessor party, the Thai Rak Thai party which was dissolved in 2007, he became ineligible to be a party member for five years. It is alleged that army commander and co-leader of the 2006 coup, General Anupong Paochinda, coerced the MPs of the Friends of Newin Group faction in the PPP to endorse a Democrat Party-led coalition. This secured enough parliamentary votes to allow Abhisit to be elected prime minister. Bhumjaithai was the second largest coalition partner in the Abhisit government, supplying the ministers of Transport, Commerce, and Interior (Chavarat Charnvirakul), and four deputy ministers.

For the general election on 3 July 2011, Bhumjaithai forged an alliance with coalition partner Chartthaipattana Party. The party aimed at winning as many as 111 seats in the new parliament. During the campaign, a main BJT canvasser, Suban Chiraphanwanit, was shot dead. Eventually, BJT won 34 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives, which observers have interpreted as disappointing. Subsequently, the party's Matchima-faction, led by Somsak Thepsuthin, tried to join the Pheu-Thai-led coalition government of Prime Minister-designate Yingluck Shinawatra, despite the party's ruling out cooperation with Pheu Thai before the elections. The Pheu Thai Party rejected the participation of BJT members.

On 14 September 2012, Anuthin Charnvirakul was elected the new leader of the Bhumjaithai Party during the party's general assembly to elect a new 11-member executive committee. He replaced his father Chavarat Charnvirakul, who had resigned. Also elected were Saksayam Chidchob as the new secretary-general, Nathee Ratchakijprakarn as treasurer, Sora-ath Klinprathum as an executive committee member and party advisory chairman, and Supamas Issarapakdi as party spokeswoman.

2025

On 18 June 2025 the Bhumjaithai Party announced its withdrawal from Thailand's ruling coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party. This decision followed the leak of a phone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which raised concerns about national sovereignty amid ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. In a statement by the Bhumjaithai party, all party ministers have submitted their resignations to the prime minister, effective 19 June.

Ideology

Bhumjaithai Party combines elements of conservatism, populism, and economic liberalism in its policy platform. The party's approach to governance is characterized by welfare-oriented developmental policies while maintaining traditional conservative values, particularly regarding the monarchy.

Prime ministers

Election results

General elections

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration elections

Bangkok Metropolitan Council elections

References

References

1. [https://www.ect.go.th/ect_th/download/article/article_20230309130907.pdf ข้อมูลพรรคการเมืองที่ยังดำเนินการอยู่ ณ วันที่ 8 มีนาคม 2566]
2. "Thailand election: How Move Forward's upset win unfolded".
3. (Jan–Feb 2010). "Thailand in 2009: Colored by Turbulence". [[Asian Survey]].
4. Khidhir, Sheith. (22 March 2019). "Major players in Thailand's election". [[The ASEAN Post]].
5. https://www.posttoday.com/columnist/post-analysis/730793
6. (17 April 2023). "Thailand's Right-Wing Parties: Keeping Democracy Close But Its Enemies Closer". Fulcrum.
7. (6 September 2025). "Thailand's next PM Anutin reaggirms promise to hold fresh polls". The Straits Times.
8. Strangio, Sebastian. (4 September 2025). "Amid Political Maneuvering, Thai Parliament Sets Date For Prime Ministerial Vote". The Diplomat.
9. (February 2020). "พรรคภูมิใจไทย - Thailand Political Base".
10. (15 March 2011). "Bhum Jai Thai and Chart Thai Pattana unveil alliance". The Nation.
11. (4 June 2011). "Pheu Thai heads off rival". Bangkok Post.
12. (17 June 2011). "Bhumjaithai canvasser shot dead". Bangkok Post.
13. (4 July 2011). "Bhumjaithai suffers humiliating losses". Bangkok Post.
14. (8 July 2011). "PT again rejects BJT faction". Bangkok Post.
15. (14 October 2012). "Anuthin new Bhumjaithai leader". Bangkok Post.
16. (18 June 2025). "Bhumjaithai Party exits Thailand's coalition government".
17. (18 June 2025). "Bhumjaithai quits Thai coalition over phone-call furore".
18. (18 May 2023). "Bhumjaithai Party Won't Join Pita's Coalition Over Monarchy Stance". [[Bloomberg News]].