Prime Minister Anutin is unafraid of lawsuits after ordering the termination of the Italian-Thai contract due to repeated crane collapses. He paid respects to “Sadej Tia” but declined to ask for blessings to remain Prime Minister, while planning to expand the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” program.
On 16 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced regarding the repeated crane collapse tragedies that he would visit Rama 2 Road to inspect the accident sites in person. He ordered strong measures for agencies to immediately "terminate the contract" with Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited for projects at the affected sites on Rama 2 and in Sikhio, Nakhon Ratchasima.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government must exercise administrative authority to protect the public, as it had already given the company opportunities to improve its work but incidents occurred twice within two days, causing fatalities. He will push to classify the company as one that abandons work and blacklist it. Regarding possible lawsuits from the private sector, the Prime Minister said he is not concerned because the actions are for the people's benefit and legal checks confirm it is permissible.
When asked about social media criticism that the Bhumjaithai Party has overseen the Ministry of Transport for a long time yet accidents still happen, Anutin replied frankly, “I am more annoyed but can do nothing.” He also acknowledged knowing who is behind the posts aiming to discredit or cause conflict but said he trusts the working system and is not worried about discrediting efforts because ultimately the public will decide at the election.
Later in the morning, the Prime Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry walked from the Thai Khu Fah Building to the monument of Prince of Chumphon Khet Udomsak (near Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon) to pay respects. The Prime Minister did not answer whether he prayed to return as Prime Minister but said success is always near if one is determined. He also greeted and advised students who came to pray to pass exams, saying, “Praying alone is not enough; you must study,” comparing the nation to following rules before relying on sacred things.
Additionally, during the walk, Anutin spoke with Bangkok cleaners and local vendors who expressed a desire to continue the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” program because it truly helps reduce expenses. The Prime Minister promised to discuss this with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas to consider expanding benefits to cover even smaller groups, if the Bhumjaithai Party has the chance to govern again after the 2026 election.
