The Prime Minister said the midnight F-16 flight was just a drill and ordered strict measures after the arrest of a local exam cheating ring. He also gave words of encouragement to the Benjamarajuthis School band, which will represent Thailand at the World Music Competition in the Netherlands, wishing them victory.
At 10:15 a.m. on 23 June 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke at Government House regarding social media posts about an F-16 flying at midnight along the Thai-Cambodian border, stating, "There is nothing to worry about. It was just a training exercise." He was then interviewed about the joint arrest by the Department of Anti-Corruption and Misconduct (DACM) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of a ring cheating on local government employee exams. He said he was aware of the situation. When asked about his orders, Mr. Anutin said, "We will take full action. The Ministry of Interior cannot tolerate this kind of corruption. We are fully cracking down and have already issued orders."
He advised the young Thai representatives competing in the World Music Competition in the Netherlands to give their best.
The reporter added that in meeting room 501, Building 1, Government House, before the Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister received a courtesy visit and gave guidance to the administrators, teachers, and students of the Benjamarajuthis School Band (Benjama Band) from Chanthaburi before they departed to compete in the 20th World Music Competition in Kerkrade, the Netherlands, from 12-23 July 2026.
The Prime Minister gave the following encouragement: "Dear young musicians, I am very happy to meet you all today, especially as you carry the honor of Thailand abroad with your musical talents. Traveling to Europe, the Netherlands, is a great opportunity. Uncle Chen (Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat), Aunt Tam (Mrs. Supajee Sutthumpan), Uncle Ek (Mr. Ekniti Nitituntapraphat), Uncle Sert (Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong), and Uncle Nim (Mr. Julphan Amornwiwat) here thank you all for supporting us. Going to the Netherlands means taking 'Thailand' with you. When you start playing, everyone will recognize that this is Thailand's band. You are doing something beneficial for our country.
I don’t want to talk about 40 years ago when I was a member of AC BAND playing every song. We have confidence in you. When playing music, give it your all. We are all here waiting to hear good news, so put your heart into it. Good luck, and thanks to the band leaders, the provincial governor, and the MPs who came to visit. Regarding meals, we will fully share; no boxed meals allowed—you must eat all meals with delicious food. Finally, I thank you for bringing honor to Thailand. I wish you victory. Thank you very much, good luck."
Afterward, Mr. Anutin and other ministers took group photos with the students, who eagerly took selfies with the Prime Minister. The school also presented the Prime Minister with premium fruits from Chanthaburi province, including durian, mangosteen, and rambutan, before taking more photos in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building. For today's Cabinet meeting, two ministers were excused: Mr. Chaichon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, and Mr. Ponpeer Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior.
