Anutin declared that the right to decide on a vote recount belongs to the Election Commission, even though Suchart Chomklin has signed consent. He is confident that the Election Commission is conducting an honest, fraud-free election and insists he has never used the Interior Ministry's power to interfere with polling station officials.
On 12 Feb 2026 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul responded to the Committee for Democracy Campaign (CDC), representing 80 democratic organizations that held a press conference claiming state power was used to interfere with polling station officials by assigning district officers as polling officials. Anutin said the Election Commission is responsible for conducting the election; the government has no involvement. The government can only provide assistance or support if requested, within reasonable means.
Regarding the network's observation that most polling officials this year come from district officers, Anutin asked reporters if the polling officials were from the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, as he only knows the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority because it is under his Interior Ministry supervision.
When reporters pressed to confirm whether, as Prime Minister and Interior Minister, he had not interfered or issued any orders, Anutin chuckled softly. "Heh heh." . He then replied, "If I could interfere, I would only meddle in my own matters; I wouldn’t have the capacity to meddle with others. I have never considered doing so. Respecting rules and competing fairly has always been my principle. This morning, before coming to the Government House, I stopped to pay respects at the Tiger God Shrine, which is my usual practice when encountering sacred places—to seek auspicious blessings and peace of mind."
Reporters then asked if, amid calls for a nationwide recount, the Prime Minister was ready. Anutin replied, "That is the Election Commission's matter. If they decide to recount, it is not my concern; the decision rests with the Election Commission."
Asked about claims of election fraud and whether the Bhumjaithai Party is confident it has no involvement, Anutin answered, "It has nothing to do with Bhumjaithai. The party has never considered such matters. The people who support Bhumjaithai are those who have implemented policies and instilled confidence in the public to elect them."
Reporters pressed on whether unresolved conflicts at polling stations and ongoing recount discussions reflect a lack of transparency and honesty in the election. Anutin responded, "No. The Election Commission has not yet announced the results; that is up to them."
At the same time, Anutin viewed the Election Commission's work on this election as orderly. The government supported the Commission’s requests, including budget and preparations. There was no issue that would prevent the election. Regarding vote counting, it is the Commission's officials' responsibility. Those familiar understand that the chance of fraud is virtually none because representatives from every political party watch closely until the first and last ballots are counted, with clear verbal tallying and written recording of each vote. The chance of fraud is essentially nonexistent."
When reporters asked again if the Prime Minister believes there was no election fraud, Anutin replied, "I believe so. I trust the Election Commission. The government does not conduct the election, so it must trust the Election Commission."