Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn challenges the controversy about the deputy at Government House with gray hair, declaring that if even a single baht of conflict of interest is found, he is ready to immediately review himself.
21 June 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, gave an interview during a presentation of his vision to advance the national transportation network while visiting Pak Mak Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province. He highlighted the project connecting roads between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand (Kapoe District, Ranong Province - Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province) and the development of Phum Riang Pier, aiming to transform Thailand's logistics and tourism systems so that the entire nation benefits from seamless infrastructure. Regarding the allegations of conflicts of interest in Phuket Province connected to the drama about the deputy at Government House with gray hair, he said that if even a single baht is found, he will review himself.
"I guarantee that if anyone can find even a single baht of conflict of interest involving me, I am ready to review myself,"
Mr. Phiphat further explained that regarding discussions about ports, he admits to supporting the idea of building the largest yacht port and yacht repair yard in ASEAN in Phuket, one that is second to none in the Asia region. Therefore, his actions during his tenure at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in the past, including developing or launching the Phuket Sandbox during the COVID-19 era, were essential. If not for this, who would have fought to bring travelers and tourists into Thailand, under the policy from then-Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha to devise and implement such measures?
He added that it is not surprising if some express concerns about his influence in Phuket Province and that while Phuket acknowledges his role in development, it has not yet accepted his political party, Bhumjaithai, with pride. "I am ready for everyone to prove any conflicts of interest. If anyone finds even 1 baht, I am prepared to immediately review myself."