General Prayut and Anutin met while paying respects to the Supreme Patriarch to seek New Year 2026 blessings at Wat Ratchabophit. They greeted each other with smiles. The Privy Councillor "Uncle Tu" encouraged the Prime Minister to persevere in solving border issues.
Reporters stated that at 09:00 on 5 January 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with his wife, arrived at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram to pay respects, to Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of the Buddhist Sangha of Thailand, on the occasion of the New Year 2026,
where the Supreme Patriarch sprinkled holy water to bless the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Interior officials. The Prime Minister offered his wishes for the Supreme Patriarch’s good health to be a source of strength for the people and the nation.
At the time Mr. Anutin arrived at Wat Ratchabophit, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Privy Councillor, also arrived and they met. Mr. Anutin raised his hands in a traditional wai greeting to General Prayut, and they exchanged inquiries about each other's wellbeing. Both appeared smiling during the conversation. General Prayut encouraged Mr. Anutin in his work and offered advice on resolving Thai-Cambodian border issues, urging patience.
Additional reports said that at one point, Mr. Anutin accompanied General Prayut, holding his hand in a supportive manner as they descended the temple steps. Afterwards, General Prayut departed.
