It has become a hot topic online when Bum Panadda Wongpudi met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. She received a certificate of honor as an “Outstanding Individual” for 2026 for her contributions in helping innocent victims in the justice system, organized by the Ministry of Justice. At this event, the Prime Minister teased her as outspoken. Recently, Jack Green from Thairath Entertainment asked Bum Panadda about this issue.
Asked about meeting Prime Minister Anutin, how was it?
“After he received his award, he greeted guests at the event. When he saw me, he was surprised and said, ‘Wow, you’ve lost a lot of weight. How did you do it? Teach me.’ He was surprised because he had met me before when I was on the National Tobacco Commission while he was Minister of Public Health. Back then, I was much larger, so he was shocked to see me thinner and asked me to teach him. I agreed. Then the Minister of Justice said he had brought me to assist the Ministry of Justice. The Prime Minister turned and said, ‘Hey, be careful, she’s outspoken’ (laughs).”
Were you surprised when he called you outspoken?
“Not really, I couldn’t argue with that (laughs). I just smiled sweetly. I want to say I usually don’t criticize anyone. Even when other celebrities criticize, I don’t respond. I’m the only one criticizing his policies (laughs).”
Was that an inner voice?
“(Laughs and nods) Yes, an inner voice. For example, regarding guns, the problem is that those bringing guns into schools are drug users. Both schools in Hat Yai and another place had drug-using students bringing illegal guns. So to regulate legally registered guns—it’s not the right focus. I am a shooter; I need to bring guns to the range. So are all the guns I bought now considered illegal? From a mother’s perspective, no. The problem isn’t being addressed correctly. That’s why I criticized the policy. I believe he must have seen this; otherwise, he wouldn’t have said that (laughs).”
But you criticize constructively, wanting improvement?
“Yes, to fix issues with drugs and illegal guns, to improve monitoring and eliminate the real drug problems properly. But when he said that, I was surprised because he is the Prime Minister, after all.”
Fortunately, Auntie Ko (Supensri Phuengkoksung), a human rights fighter, was nearby and told the Prime Minister, ‘That’s not right to say. Bum is not always outspoken; she’s much more polite now’ (laughs).
When the Prime Minister walked away, she grabbed my arm and said I should have protested because this is social bullying—criticizing me in front of everyone. But I just felt indifferent because I really am outspoken with him.”
Aren’t you afraid he might get angry?
“No, I think he’s easygoing, greeting and teasing me like that. I wasn’t angry at all because I really am outspoken (laughs).”
But your reaction in the clip looked gentle?
“Nothing much. We’ve teased each other before. I know his easygoing nature, and he knows my outspoken side. It was just friendly teasing.”
Was there no time to tell him what you want help with?
“No time at all. Even at the award ceremony, they shoved the trophy into my hands before I went on stage, and I just took photos. I didn’t even get to stand with the Prime Minister. I only met him downstairs, and he didn’t remember me at first, imagine that.”
What would you say to the Prime Minister about him saying you lost weight?
“Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I really focused on losing weight. I will continue working for society as before. Thank you (laughs).”
Anything you want to say to the Prime Minister about his many duties?
“Oh, I still want to raise the border issue because he is someone who has the opportunity to work there fully and meet Cambodian leaders. I ask him to restrain the other side. Their attitude doesn't match their words about wanting peace. The border remains tense. So I just want to leave that message for the Prime Minister.”
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