The Prime Minister declared he will not listen to hype after the opposition revealed that an elderly woman is acquiring land to support the land bridge project. He stated the project has not yet begun and is currently under study before any decisions. He pointed out there is nothing unusual and declined to comment on the rejection of the constitutional amendment bill.
On 7 May 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, arrived at Military Airport 2, Wing 6, to travel to the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu City, Republic of the Philippines, taking place from 7 to 9 May.
Before departure, the Prime Minister addressed opposition criticism of the land bridge project, where they claimed an elderly woman is buying land as the government prepares to advance the project. He said that right now, the focus is on helping the people to ease their suffering as much as possible. He urged not to jump to conclusions prematurely since the project has not yet begun. Contexts have changed today; past studies were based on a different geopolitical framework. Currently, we must find ways to make Thailand a regional center capable of self-reliance in economic momentum and as a hub for goods transportation, able to stand on its own. Regardless of conflicts in any region, we aim to make ASEAN a secure region that attracts international attention, and we strive to enhance this capability in line with changing global circumstances.
When asked about rumors that foreigners would be allowed to lease land for 99 years, the Prime Minister said the government will not pay attention to such hype and that this matter concerns the land bridge and investment issues.
Asked whether early opposition criticism might derail the project, the Prime Minister responded that the project has not started; it is still under study to align with the current situation. If the study results by the committee investigating ways to drive infrastructure development projects for transportation linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea—or the land bridge project, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aekniti Nitithanprapas and with National Economic and Social Development Council Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan as secretary—are available, decisions will be made based on up-to-date studies. There is nothing unusual.
When asked for clarity on whether the 99-year land lease is unrelated to the land bridge project, Anutin emphasized that everything depends on the study results.
Asked if, besides the study results, advice from the opposition would also be considered, Anutin said the voices of the people must be heard. He instructed that the committee must include civil society representatives, which Aekniti agreed with, and that relevant civil society groups would be invited to join the committee.
When asked if he was discouraged by the investigations and heavy criticism amid the current circumstances, Anutin said, "Why be discouraged? I am Chinese. Being discouraged is actually a blessing. Siu Tho (pink peach-shaped steamed buns) are eaten every birthday."
Regarding the constitutional amendment bill that was dismissed citing other urgent matters, the Prime Minister declined to comment, checked his watch, announced it was the final statement, and promptly left the interview.