Anutin criticized Thanathorn, saying it is not the role of politicians to demand home repair payments in Hatyai. He declined to comment on whether this was political discrediting. He revealed he has not received reports from the Social Security Office managing 12 million baht used to renovate the cafeteria. He expressed confidence that Trinuch can resolve the issue.Tags: [Anutin, Thanathorn, Hatyai, home repair, Social Security Office, political dispute]
On 23 January 2026, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, commented on Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit’s call for expedited payments for flood-damaged homes in Hatyai District. He said the cabinet has just approved additional compensation for Hatyai, with some people having received payments while others have not. The question is whether some were missed because they did not register initially and registered later. He recalled similar cases in Ang Thong and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces where the cabinet proposed the matter to the Election Commission (EC), which recently approved it. Once approved, the process will continue.Tags: [Anutin, Thanathorn, Hatyai, flood compensation, cabinet approval, Election Commission]
"This matter is not political; it is not the role of politicians to demand payments. It is the regular duty of responsible agencies such as the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. We follow procedures: if some cases were missed in the survey, we supplement them. I believe some people may still be missed or unregistered, so ongoing surveys are needed because this uses the central budget. During this parliament dissolution period, cabinet approval alone is insufficient; it must also pass the EC’s approval. Once the EC approves, the process will proceed. If anyone wants to demand payment, they should approach the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, as the cabinet has given full authority to handle this. Acting now could be seen as campaigning. People can find faults anywhere, but I act with sincere intentions and have no worries," said Anutin.Tags: [Anutin, flood relief, Ministry of Interior, Disaster Prevention, budget, Election Commission, political process]
When asked if this might be political discrediting given the timing, the Prime Minister responded by asking the reporter’s nickname and declined to answer repeated questions. He reiterated that the cabinet has approved the compensation, the EC has approved it, and it is now with the Ministry of Interior. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior can approve it because it is a cabinet resolution. That ends the matter with nothing further to add.Tags: [Anutin, political discrediting, compensation, cabinet resolution, Election Commission]
No report yet on Social Security Office managing 12 million baht for cafeteria renovation; confident Trinuch will resolve the issue.Tags: [Social Security Office, fund management, cafeteria renovation, Trinuch, problem resolution]
Anutin also commented on reports that 12 million baht from the Social Security Office’s administrative budget was used to renovate the cafeteria at Social Security Office Area 3, located within the Ministry of Labor premises. He said he has not yet met Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labor, and has not received any reports.Tags: [Anutin, Social Security Office, cafeteria renovation, Ministry of Labor, Trinuch]
When asked if he had previously received any reports about the situation, the Prime Minister emphasized that he has not received such reports. He said the Minister of Labor is still responsible for managing this matter within the ministry. While there are problems, no reports have come in indicating issues beyond the ministry’s ability to handle.Tags: [Anutin, Minister of Labor, Social Security Office, problem management, ministry responsibility]