'Phiphat' denies EEC was taken back; 'Anutin' explains stepping back from transport focus. Acknowledges PM is best suited to court investors, stresses no communication gaps within Bhumjaithai Party.
At 13:10 on 18 June 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn gave an interview at the Government House regarding rumors that he had transferred oversight of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project back to Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Asked about the facts, Phiphat stated that he has supervised the EEC since the first Anutin government and after the election, when Anutin returned as Prime Minister, he volunteered to continue overseeing the EEC for a second term. In the last three to four meetings, most discussions focused on resolving longstanding legal issues from several administrations, which have now received approval from the management committee.
. He also consulted the Prime Minister, who agreed that going forward, attracting investors to the EEC should be the Prime Minister’s responsibility. This arrangement was agreed upon, with the Prime Minister taking back this role. Currently, the Ministry of Transport has several large projects supporting EEC development, so Phiphat felt it was more appropriate to refocus on Transport to avoid working on two fronts and risking failure in both. Given the Prime Minister’s professionalism and frequent international travel for meetings, he is well positioned to negotiate with foreign businesses and investors, encouraging them to invest in the EEC. This is the most crucial issue.
Regarding concerns about potential discord within Bhumjaithai Party, Phiphat said, "As someone under the Prime Minister’s command and a longtime member of Bhumjaithai Party, I accept whatever benefits the nation, no matter the matter. Importantly, there were attempts to stir unease about whether I was comfortable before the situation arose. The Prime Minister and I had already discussed matters thoroughly. I want to clarify to the media that from yesterday (17 June) until today, I assure you that within Bhumjaithai Party, nothing goes undiscussed. We discuss all dimensions, especially between the Prime Minister and myself. "