Prime Minister Anutin joined in collecting royal rice seeds during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Luang, preparing to plant them in his own paddy field. He stressed that the government has measures to address this year's drought.
On 13 May 2026, after the conclusion of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul went to the demonstration paddy field where rice seeds had been sown. He joined the public attending the ceremony in collecting the sown royal rice seeds, placing them into prepared bags.
The Prime Minister said this was his first time collecting rice seeds, noting he had never done so before. He saw many people participating in the ceremony and said he would plant the seeds to grow them and bring good fortune in his own paddy field, without disclosing its location. During the event, people greeted the Prime Minister warmly. Afterwards, he took photos with farmers who had received awards from His Majesty the King.
Regarding measures to support farmers amid anticipated drought this year, the Prime Minister explained that plans have been integrated across agencies. These include the National Water Resources Office and the Royal Irrigation Department working to secure water sources such as groundwater for farmers. Additionally, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning will collaborate closely to address issues, especially drought. Weather forecasts predict such conditions this year, making it necessary to secure and store as much water as possible to prevent hardship for farmers.