The Prime Minister thanked Parliament for their suggestions regarding the policy statement, affirmed that every Cabinet member is ready to dedicate themselves, and said anyone who fails at their work should realize it is time to pack up. He criticized Parit for not doing his homework and insisted that he works in the field genuinely, not just wading in knee-deep water and trying to create an image. Meanwhile, Atim requested to invoke the right to refer, but the Speaker ordered the meeting to close.
On 10 Apr 2026 at 21:57 GMT+7, at the Parliament building during the first joint urgent session for the Cabinet's policy statement to Parliament, chaired by Sophon Sarum, the Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul stood to thank members of Parliament for debating the government. He said, “First, on behalf of the Cabinet, I thank the Speaker and all members who participated in the debate, offering opinions, suggestions, and concern regarding my policy statement. I understand that everyone is doing their best in their role. We have heard and noted all comments and suggestions that are useful and factual, which will be applied for the benefit of our people.”
The Prime Minister continued, “I am fully aware of the short- and long-term challenges our country faces, which require cooperation from all sectors. We all affirm our commitment to push forward everything stated in the policy statement successfully and efficiently. The 23 policy points are the main agenda we all must carry out during this government's term, which we hope will last the full four years. We all are committed. I personally selected each Cabinet member carefully, considering age, experience, and background before assigning them to their ministries. I confirm that this was done thoroughly and prudently.”
He added, “Regarding accusations about me personally—not being committed, shirking work, being irresponsible, or mismanaging—such claims come from different sides. One side claims I manage well, am responsible, and love the people, while the other says otherwise. That is part of our roles. But please, let's speak the truth and do more homework. For example, the member who just debated me (Parit) truly did not prepare. He claimed I brought clusters from coalition parties like Pheu Thai to look into, especially the Ministry of Agriculture, which is actually overseen by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education Yotsanan Wongsawat, who holds full authority.”
Regarding the cluster within the Bhumjaithai Party, I have assigned each Deputy Prime Minister to oversee. This is how I have managed since my time in the private sector. Perhaps it is my talent to assign tasks effectively—knowing who is capable and who is not—and to receive results as expected.”
“I think, when I assign tasks, the first person who comes to mind is Minister Pradorn; I never assign him to tasks he is not skilled at. Everyone I assign must be confident they can do the job with the same goal in mind. No one returns without accomplishing their task. For me, if any minister or deputy prime minister returns with failure, after reporting, they should know it is time to pack up and let someone more capable take over. I myself have managed and worked in this manner, with success in every aspect. I admit to some failures, but far more success, which has allowed me to accumulate experience,” the Prime Minister said.
“Regarding the claim that I delegate others to answer parliamentary questions, it is the ministers’ duty to provide those answers. If I am available, I come myself. Currently, as Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, I have appointed three deputy ministers to assist me, including answering questions in Parliament. Every Cabinet member must prioritize responding to Parliament’s inquiries. Last evening, I noticed only two or three ministers were present, so I sent a message to my ministerial group saying, ‘We must respect Parliament and attend to listen to debates.’ I don’t know if this is considered shirking responsibility or not,” he added.
The Prime Minister said, “Earlier this evening, a member claimed I pushed the Minister of Agriculture, Capt. Thammanat Prompao, who was also Deputy Prime Minister at the time, to handle flooding in Hat Yai. That was not delegation but an order, as he was chairman of the flood management task force at the Ministry of Agriculture overseeing the Royal Irrigation Department, which uses extensive resources during floods. He worked hard, wading through water, and we went out into the water once or twice a week. Within two weeks, the situation was reversed. I emphasize that I truly wade through water—I don’t just go where water is knee-high and try to push myself down for photos to show I’m wading or swimming. I don’t create such images. When I work, I have no special status; I work alongside all officials. The claim that I shirk responsibility by passing on work is unfounded.”
“Whether fighting in battle or dealing with floods, I go to see the situation firsthand to understand the conditions—how flooding occurs, how border areas are affected. When foreigners pressure us and only report to me, we turn the tables because I am on the ground. I thank you for reminding me,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister added, “Finally, I am ready to ease the concerns of fellow members. I understand your worries. Everyone’s proposals are for the people, which we all agree on. Regarding each minister’s work, I assure Parliament that they have full authority and must be responsible for their duties. The entire Cabinet is prepared and dedicated to working hard. Let us all present facts to the public. We must not fabricate issues. If solutions are not found, I am willing to accept and improve. Many times, we have erred and have been ready to apologize to the public, and we have always done so. If the public remains dissatisfied, it means we have not done well enough.”
He also said, “Lastly, I believe we conduct constructive politics. I note and record your advice to implement in our government. I assure you that what is in the policy statement is being done, and we welcome your suggestions. We will not only implement the 23 points stated but also any other beneficial proposals and support Parliament’s work, as the process is already established.”
“Having been given the opportunity to present the policy, from now on, this government will have full authority to administer the country, and we will dedicate all our efforts to serve the nation and its people, leading Thailand to progress, strength, stability, and pride for all Thais,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Then, Parit Watcharasindhu, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, attempted to invoke the right to refer regarding the lack of preparation, but Speaker Sophon Sarum did not permit it and immediately ordered the meeting closed at 22:13 GMT+7.
