Anutin downplays recent meeting with PPRP chief

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday that he is open to holding talks with any political party for the time being, and that the party is expected to win 70 House seats in the upcoming general election.

His comments followed a report saying that he and other key Bhumjaithai figures had lunch with Prawit Wongsuwon, deputy prime minister and leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, in the compound of the 1st Infantry Regiment on Wednesday. The report fuelled speculation that the two parties may be open to forming a coalition after the election.

Mr Anutin, who is deputy prime minister and public health minister, yesterday said he met Gen Prawit to discuss the political situation and their readiness for the poll, tentatively scheduled by the Election Commission to take place on May 7.

“Gen Prawit asked me about the estimated number of House…