Anutin insists the photo is AI-generated after a popular page released an image of him dining with Ben Smith, dismissing Natthawut's conspiracy theory jabs and affirming adherence to democratic processes. The tags are: [Anutin Charnvirakul, AI image, Ben Smith, conspiracy theory, democratic process, Bhumjaithai Party]
At 3:00 p.m. on 7 Feb 2026 at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Anutin Charnvirakul, party leader and prime ministerial candidate, addressed the release of a photo showing him dining with Ben Smith during the final day of campaigning. He said it is clearly an AI-generated image. Examining the entire photo reveals a date marked 2005, when he served as Deputy Commerce Minister under then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom he did not know at the time. He recalled meeting Ben Smith in person only once, as shown in a photo with several people standing together. He does not know the intent behind the latest image's release. The woman sitting beside him in the photo is also unrecognizable to him; at first he thought she was a party colleague but zooming in showed no familiarity. If the image truly dates from 2005, he noted he would appear younger than in the photo. Tags: [Anutin Charnvirakul, AI image, Ben Smith, Deputy Commerce Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, Bhumjaithai Party]
When asked if he would sue if the image was AI-generated, Anutin said he had no intention to do so and felt no problem. He explained that even if the photo was taken 20 or 30 years ago, he did not believe any law had been broken. During the last month of campaigning, he likely took thousands of photos with the public, and it would be impossible to control or distrust every face. What matters most is intent. As a public figure living in today’s technological era, he can be photographed or asked for photos anytime. The key is to avoid engaging in any transactions or associations with suspicious persons, especially after accusations that some might have engaged in illegal or unconstitutional acts. Tags: [Anutin Charnvirakul, AI image, public figure, privacy, legal issues]
Regarding Natthawut Saikua, the election assistant for the Pheu Thai Party, who claimed on stage there is a conspiracy theory to have former Prime Minister and Pheu Thai leader Paethongtarn Shinawatra step down to allow Anutin to take office, Anutin said he cannot pay attention to every person’s views. He reaffirmed that Bhumjaithai Party’s political activities comply fully with democratic processes. Whether he governs with a minority or majority, he was nominated as prime minister candidate with votes exceeding half of the total MPs. He expressed gratitude to all MPs for their trust in nominating and naming him for the prime minister position. Tags: [Anutin Charnvirakul, Natthawut Saikua, Pheu Thai Party, conspiracy theory, democratic process, prime minister nomination]}],