"Anutin" defends "Phiphat" amid intense public scrutiny. Phiphat says he cannot properly respond as society watches closely. He left PT 23 years ago and asks not to be asked too many questions, noting the company is worried. He says he is doing well and urges everyone to remain calm after the public inquired about him.,
At 10:39 a.m. on 6 Apr 2026 GMT+7, following a Buddhist ceremony marking the 18th anniversary of the founding of the Bhumjaithai Party, the press approached to ask questions. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, who had not attended several meetings of the Center for Management and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict Situation (CMMC) due to criticism over oil issues, including submitting a resignation letter as director of the center.
When asked how he was doing, Mr. Phiphat replied, "I'm doing well." When further asked about the public's inquiries, Mr. Phiphat briefly stated, "If the public is asking, I ask them to remain calm."
Later during the time, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, visited his wife's coffee shop, Jaris Star. During a break while drinking coffee, he spoke with Mr. Phiphat. Reporters tried to ask, how he offers encouragement amid the oil price crisis. Mr. Anutin said, "There’s no need to encourage those who work for the country."
Regarding concerns that his work affected public sentiment and use of PT gas stations, especially amid the current heavy criticism, the Prime Minister asked back, "How many years has he been out of PT?" Meanwhile, Mr. Phiphat added, "I can’t say exactly, but I left PT 23 years ago." The Prime Minister also said, "Even now, you have to show an ID card to enter."
On the other hand, when asked how he feels about the current opposition, Mr. Phiphat replied, "You should ask the management." Regarding the issue of still holding shares, which has drawn heavy public attention, Mr. Phiphat clarified, "Holding shares is just normal stock ownership. As for the public scrutiny, I don't know how to respond because I consider myself not involved with the company anymore. Please don’t ask too much, as the company might be worried."
