Anutin said the issue of Dr. Supat's dismissal is unrelated to the Bhumjaithai Party. He believes opponents are trying to politicize it and said he is not worried about its impact on vote counts, emphasizing it is a matter handled professionally.
At 09:10 on 29 Jan 2026 at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about academic Parinya Thewanaritkul's advice to the Prime Minister to halt the dismissal of Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, former director of Saba Yoi Hospital and a candidate for Songkhla MP constituency 2 for the Prachachon (PCN) party during the election period, warning it would cause more harm than good. Anutin said he was not aware of these matters, having left the Ministry of Public Health years ago. When he asked the Public Health Minister, he was told that everything followed legal procedures with no politics involved. He believes Professor Parinya, being an academic, should understand well the legal boundaries of political actions and what is permissible.
Anutin said that now that his party is in government, it cannot be involved in such matters. He has never interfered or issued any orders regarding routine work outside policy, especially not ordering the dismissal of specific civil servants, as that would be improper.
Anutin said the policy to take action against those violating the law, whether civil servants or ordinary citizens, is clear government policy. He used the term "closing names" to describe behavior and reminded reporters that he has consistently pursued this approach, enabling prosecution of anyone who breaks the law. Recently, senior executives of the Provincial Electricity Authority were arrested for involvement in bitcoin mining. He was unaware of their identities but accepted the reports and said full action will be taken against anyone found guilty.
When asked if he was concerned the issue might reduce Bhumjaithai Party's vote share, Anutin said it is unrelated to the party, so he has no reason to worry. He said the effort to politicize this issue comes from opponents of Bhumjaithai. He affirmed it has nothing to do with the party, which has not controlled the Ministry of Public Health for over two years and only returned three months ago. Any investigation of civil servants' wrongdoing that requires personnel committee involvement must consider when the offense occurred. It cannot be done within three to four months, so it is unreasonable to expect knowledge or orders to prevent entry at this stage.
Anutin added that people should not associate or connect this matter to him. Although he left the ministry three months ago, officials such as the permanent secretary or department directors have never seen him or reported to him. After returning three months ago, he resumed his role as Minister of Interior. He emphasized he is a professional and there is no need to worry.