Anutin walked to the Government House after taking his wife to make merit on her birthday. He said he would use the remaining time to help party members campaign and vowed not to be complacent despite some polls showing a lead. He stressed the need to improve intelligence following unrest in the south.
At 08:20 on 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, reporters at the Government House reported that Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, walked from the Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel area in Bangkok to the Government House after having breakfast with his wife, Ms. Thananon Niramit. Anutin told reporters he walked to aid digestion after stopping for curry rice. He said there was nothing new in the news today and the Cabinet meeting agenda was light. When asked why he came so early, Anutin said it was his wife's birthday, so he went to make merit and give alms at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara earlier this morning.
Anutin also commented on his participation in the “Global Dynamics and Thailand's Future” forum on 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7, speaking on Thailand Vision 2035. He said it went well and he tried to keep his speech within 20 minutes, though it could not cover everything. When asked about Deputy Leader Rangsiman Rome's claim that the Prime Minister was riding on the Cambodian minister's popularity, Anutin laughed and did not answer, instead sipping his coffee. Asked about the atmosphere in the remaining 26 days before the election, Anutin said it was good and that he was trying to find time to help party members campaign both in Bangkok and the provinces as much as possible. He mentioned possibly visiting Songkhla on 14 January but noted that senior leaders were already present in the area.
He hopes to win MPs in every constituency but must await the decision of the public.
When asked if he felt encouraged by some polls showing a lead and higher MP numbers than other parties, Anutin said he could not say he was encouraged or discouraged. He said they must wait for results and remain cautious. Seeing better poll results naturally boosts morale and energizes party members. Asked if there was a chance to win MPs in Bangkok for the first time, Anutin said they hoped so but it depended on the public, whom he trusted to decide correctly. When asked if any phenomena were expected two weeks before the election, he said mudslinging had started, but everyone should focus on pushing their own party policies and building public confidence rather than attacking others when feeling weak or behind. Asked about any final key policies to attract voters, Anutin said they work consistently and do not smear others. When asked about some parties declaring alliances with others but not some, Anutin affirmed Bhumjaithai Party can work with all parties. He said in the past it has been that way. He advised waiting for the public to decide and warned against speaking carelessly, noting that with digital footprints, careless words can cause trouble. He suggested speaking less and focusing on one’s own matters rather than meddling in others' affairs.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to improve intelligence after disturbances in the south.
Anutin also spoke about the situation in the southern border provinces, saying security and military forces must fully perform their duties. He emphasized intelligence matters, admitting that intelligence was not flawless and needed improvement since the incidents had occurred. He said he had instructed the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) to urgently cooperate with local authorities to assist victims, including the injured and those with property damage, providing full support. Details have been sent to him and he will review them at the Thai Koo Fah Building. There are measures, regulations, and resolutions from meetings on how to respond to such violent incidents, and he will expedite these processes. Most of the funding will come from the central emergency budget, which is used for urgent and emergency situations to help civilians not linked to regular government operations. The Election Commission will consider this appropriately. When asked if intelligence had failed to report in advance, Anutin said if it had been reported, the incident would likely not have happened.
Anutin commented on the Cambodian seizure issue, saying to listen to leadership levels.
Regarding the Thai-Cambodian border problem, where Cambodia has not respected agreements much, Anutin said both sides have documents affirming mutual intentions. He emphasized the need to listen to the national leaders, noting that paying attention to every level of personnel would not be practical.