The Prime Minister, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Arsit, attended the OTOP event for the sixth day. He paused, setting down his pen to watch Thairath TV's broadcast of an audio clip implicating the Permanent Secretary's wife in local exam corruption, urging that this not be seen as a political attempt to destabilize the Prime Minister or the Permanent Secretary.
At 14:15 on 26 Jun 2026 GMT+7, after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of Interior, canceled his chairmanship of the Police Commission meeting, he and Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat traveled to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani to visit the “OTOP Midyear 2026: Thailand Supporting Thai Wisdom Products to International Levels” exhibition, marking the sixth day of the event.
While walking through the event and taking photos with visitors, the Prime Minister received a phone call, prompting him to step aside for an extended conversation. He then entered a lounge near the event hall to greet Chavarath and Thasanee Charnvirakul, his father and mother, who had arrived earlier to visit the OTOP event, and sat down to rest there.
The Prime Minister rested in the lounge until Traisuli Traisornkul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, and Natjaree Anantasilp, Secretary-General of the Cabinet, arrived with a large rolling briefcase. They presented multiple document files for the Prime Minister to sign. While signing, the television in the lounge aired news about an audio clip implicating the Permanent Secretary's wife in corruption related to local government exams. This caught the Prime Minister’s attention, causing him to pause and watch the report. He jokingly remarked, “It’s the first time the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior is interviewed by the media more than the Prime Minister,” while the Permanent Secretary was also present in the lounge.
After completing the document signing, the Prime Minister left the lounge. Anutin told reporters that he can work anywhere and, as he must travel abroad for several days, he needed to sign numerous documents before departure.
When asked if he had given special instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister acting as Prime Minister during his absence, Anutin replied that he had already issued all necessary directives and would be abroad for just three days, returning midweek.
Asked about his feelings regarding the broadcast of an audio clip by CSI LA claiming the Permanent Secretary’s wife was involved in local government exam corruption, Anutin said an investigative committee has been established to determine wrongdoing. Asked if he was concerned that close associates of the Permanent Secretary might be involved, he stated he was not worried because their actions rely on evidence.
When questioned about the ongoing release of clips and whether there might be an underlying agenda, the Prime Minister said there must have been wrongdoing. He noted attempts to divert attention but affirmed that the Ministry of Interior has established an investigation committee and summoned involved persons to the Permanent Secretary’s office to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Asked if the situation was perceived as a political game aimed at destabilizing the Prime Minister’s and Permanent Secretary’s positions, Anutin denied this, emphasizing that the government must act firmly against any wrongdoing. He cited Phuket as an example where authorities pursued investigations, prosecutions, asset seizures, and recovery of state property from corrupt individuals, all conducted according to proper procedures.
When asked if he was concerned about being linked to allegations dating back to his tenure as Minister of Interior, Anutin replied, “I would be concerned if I were involved. Regardless of the ministry I serve in, I must address all issues arising within the Ministry of Interior. There is no exemption for anyone. I have demonstrated repeatedly that no one is above the law, no matter who they are.”
Pressed whether he felt targeted, the Prime Minister responded with a question: “Targeted me?” He added that since becoming Deputy Prime Minister and entering politics, he has faced challenges. He stressed the importance of confidence and integrity, noting that wrongdoers tend to make excuses, divert attention, and create chaos, whereas innocent officials continue their duties normally, and accusations cannot be prevented.
Asked if he could guarantee that those responsible for local government exam corruption will be held accountable, the Prime Minister assured full prosecution, clarifying that accountability means punishment, not just responsibility. When asked if he had discussed the matter with the Permanent Secretary, who was implicated, Anutin said there was no need for a private conversation since the Permanent Secretary has been working closely with him. He explained that upon learning of the issue, the Permanent Secretary immediately ordered an investigation and summoned the Director-General of the Department of Local Administration to be stationed at the ministry. This demonstrated adherence to legal procedures. The Prime Minister emphasized that all actions must follow the law and cannot be rushed to satisfy public demand without clear evidence. Legal constraints require solutions through lawful means.
When questioned why the Permanent Secretary had not been temporarily reassigned to ensure an impartial investigation, the Prime Minister asked, “Why?” The reporter explained that the Permanent Secretary is the highest-ranking official in the Ministry of Interior. Anutin responded that this was the reporter’s assumption, pointing out that he had already ordered the Director-General to be present. If clear evidence emerges, action can be taken; otherwise, it remains an allegation. He said all matters under scrutiny are currently in process, with responses and investigations underway. The corruption case must be reported back to the Permanent Secretary within seven days, who will then report to the Prime Minister upon his return from abroad. Then further steps will be taken.
Asked if he gave any special instructions before leaving for his overseas trip, the Prime Minister said no special orders were necessary as everyone knows their duties and is already working intensively. He stated that good initiatives will continue, while problems will be addressed and corrected.
