Anutin confirmed that the Ministry of Interior continuously verifies the accuracy of citizen names in civil registries with a clear timeline, responding to complaints about phantom names appearing in house registries. He emphasized a clear separation of duties with no involvement in elections or vote-seeking.
On 29 January 2026 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview regarding complaints about unauthorized individuals appearing in house registries across various areas during the final stretch before elections, and whether civil registries are being checked. He confirmed that such checks are always conducted. He explained that when the Ministry of Interior conducts verification, it is sometimes accused of excessive scrutiny causing public inconvenience. However, when phantom names appear in registries, the ministry is then criticized for failing to check. He stated there is already a timeline and list in place. For example, when distributing compensation payments to citizens, verification of names is necessary. It is possible that about 5% may be missed or damage assessments may be incomplete, but the Ministry of Interior continuously monitors the situation.
When asked about phantom names entering others' house registries during the election period, Anutin said these are baseless connections. He said he works as Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, clearly separating such matters. There is no concept of elections or vote-seeking, nor any us-versus-them mentality. He has never counted relatives, whether Thai or foreign, when performing official duties.
When further asked if there were any unusual activities during election campaigning, Anutin replied there were none; everyone is fulfilling their roles. During a campaign visit to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province on 28 January 2026, he took leave from official duties and met Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Progressives and assistant campaigner for the People's Party, exchanging greetings amicably. Everyone is performing their roles with mutual respect and no personal issues.
Regarding comments by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party's southern election campaign, urging citizens to vote for patriotic parties like Bhumjaithai and dismissing those deemed unpatriotic, Anutin said he had not heard that and suggested asking Phiphat, who is currently campaigning in his area of responsibility, as they have not yet discussed it.
When asked whether he would instruct Bhumjaithai Party leaders to be cautious with final campaign messaging, Anutin said everyone understands the legal framework. This is emphasized not only in party meetings but also in Cabinet meetings, where ministers are reminded to clearly separate their ministerial duties from political roles. Ministers must perform their duties properly until a new Cabinet is formed. Those campaigning during official work hours must take leave correctly, not use government resources, official vehicles, or escort convoys, and must not involve civil servants in facilitating or coordinating.
Asked if he was concerned that Bhumjaithai might be discredited near election day, Anutin replied it depends on perspectives. He said, if they were not a strong contender as in the 2019 and 2023 elections, they likely would not face such intense discrediting or opposition. They know what they are doing and must continue. He admitted some worry about MPs failing scrutiny, noting that when campaigning for candidates, if the public does not recognize them, it shows insufficient effort or incomplete local engagement, requiring stricter encouragement to be closer to constituents. ."