Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek explained the Prime Minister's delegation of a minister to respond during the parliamentary live question session, affirming that the Prime Minister did not avoid answering but was occupied with other duties, and emphasized the Prime Minister’s respect for the legislative branch.
On 1 May 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, clarified regarding the Prime Minister’s absence from the live question session at the House of Representatives on 30 April. She said that for live questions, the House notifies the Cabinet of the topics on Thursday morning, with neither the Prime Minister nor any minister knowing the questions in advance. This sometimes makes it impossible to attend due to prior commitments. If the question is addressed to the Prime Minister, he may delegate the responsible minister to respond on his behalf.
On 30 April, the question concerned the Land Bridge project, so the Prime Minister assigned Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, to respond since his ministry is primarily responsible. However, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat had to chair the first meeting of the Rail Transport Committee of 2026, a crucial event following the official enactment of the Rail Transport Act B.E. 2568 (2025) on 27 March.
This meeting had been scheduled a week in advance and resulted in important decisions, including measures to reduce public expenses, protect passenger rights, and accelerate legislation to implement an integrated ticketing system promptly.
Therefore, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat delegated Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, to explain the matter to the House in his place.
Ms. Ratchada added that the Prime Minister’s schedule on that day included morning meetings of the Police Commission, the economic team, and chairing a press conference on the crackdown of transnational crime networks involving corruption, identity fraud, nationality falsification, and illegal gambling. After completing these duties at the Government House, he then attended the parliamentary session.
She affirmed, "The Prime Minister values the work of the legislature and supports its oversight role. Please do not interpret the delegation to the responsible minister as avoidance. From the perspective of providing detailed information, the minister in charge can offer the most comprehensive and thorough responses."