The Prime Minister led officials in solemnly commemorating the 134th anniversary of the Ministry of Interior’s founding, continuing the mission to relieve suffering and promote well-being. He assigned the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to visit affected areas this afternoon following a sharp rise in PM 2.5 dust levels, and instructed governors to conduct on-site inspections to consider declaring disaster zones due to the pollution.
On 1 April 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Somdet Phra Chao Borom Wong Ther Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab to mark the 134th anniversary of the Ministry of Interior’s establishment. Executives and officials of the Ministry of Interior also participated in the event.
Anutin paid respects at the Phra Chai Mongkol Shrine and the Phra Kanchai Sri Shrine, then honored the statue of Somdet Phra Chao Borom Wong Ther Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab by pouring water from the conch shell onto the nameplate “Damrong Rajanubhab.” He then applied ceremonial powder, offered garlands, scattered flowers, and laid wreaths. Incense and candles were lit at the small golden altar and the offering table. Afterwards, Anutin delivered a tribute speech and inspected the ranks of officials and state enterprise employees.
Anutin stated that King Chulalongkorn established the Ministry of Interior on 1 April 1892 and appointed Somdet Phra Chao Borom Wong Ther Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab as the first Minister of Interior. The King laid a solid foundation for the ministry by organizing administrative systems both centrally and regionally. He established municipal and sanitary governance as the basis for democratic administration. He clearly defined the Ministry of Interior's mission as “relieving suffering and promoting happiness,” personally listening to the hardships and well-being of the people.
Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about whether Chiang Mai province would be declared a disaster zone after PM 2.5 dust levels exceeded standards. He said that this afternoon, Atthasit Sampanarat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, will travel to the affected area and convene a meeting with relevant agencies. He noted that each province will act based on their discretion and urgency, and he has instructed the Permanent Secretary of Interior to command operations on-site.
When asked again about the necessity of declaring disaster zones, Anutin said that the authority to declare lies with the provincial governors, who are responsible for on-site assessments. He has delegated decision-making power to the governors. He emphasized that the Permanent Secretary of Interior must visit the areas to ensure confidence and prepare assistance for the people in all aspects. Additionally, on 31 March, he assigned Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, responsible for the issue, to visit the area along with the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, who will remain present throughout the dust crisis.
