Prime Minister Anutin visited Government House to pay respects to the Norasingha statue before flying to Hat Yai. He announced the results of the "Singh Clutches the Prey" operation, which led to a large seizure of smuggled cigarettes, and stressed that officials should not fear the dark influence of offenders.
At 10:20 a.m. on 5 February 2026, reporters at Government House reported that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at the Thai Khu Fah Building at Government House and paid respects to a replica of the Norasingha statue located on the front balcony of the building, as he does on every visit. At 10:50 a.m., the Prime Minister departed from Government House to the Hat Yai District Office in Songkhla Province to announce the results of a large smuggled cigarette seizure.
At 2:00 p.m. at the Hat Yai District Office, Prime Minister Anutin led a press conference on the "Singh Clutches the Prey" operation following the seizure of a large shipment of cigarettes in downtown Hat Yai, Songkhla Province. The event was attended by Mr. Atsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and Mr. Rattasat Chidchu, Governor of Songkhla Province. Anutin said he was there as both Prime Minister and Minister of Interior to monitor and announce the operation results, which involved searching and arresting a major smuggled cigarette network in southern Thailand. The seized shipment included over 2,000 boxes, totaling 20 million cigarettes, with 14 offenders arrested. Preliminary losses to the state revenue exceed 67 million baht, with tax fines surpassing 1 billion baht. The suspects and evidence will be handed over to investigators at Hat Yai, Thung Lung, and Khlong Hoi Khong police stations for full prosecution. Further investigations will identify all individuals directly or indirectly involved in supporting the crime network to ensure the entire operation is dismantled. He emphasized that the government, even as it nears the end of its term, remains committed to maintaining order in Thailand and fully supports officials in their efforts. He urged all officers not to fear the dark influences of offenders and to uphold the law correctly. Together, they must build public confidence to relieve suffering, promote well-being, eliminate criminal threats, and continue to serve the nation faithfully.