Prime Minister Anutin emphasized the southern border issues require urgent negotiations by both sides, insisting that loan expenditures must be approved by a screening committee. He dismissed concerns about specification-locking, noting that as Prime Minister he fully understands all project details. He affirmed that budget decisions are made by the head of government and assured that Hat Yai will not be neglected in any way.
At 16:10 on 10 July 2026, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke at The Signature Hotel Airport in Songkhla about his recent visit to Malaysia, discussing the southern border provinces' issues and prospects for improvement. He stressed the need for both parties to expedite negotiations and strictly enforce laws. He emphasized that security and administrative agencies must work integratively, share information, respect local cultures and lifestyles, honor the people, and fully enforce laws to prevent drugs, contraband, illegal weapons, and human trafficking in these sensitive areas.
When asked whether discussions with Malaysian leaders included various insurgent groups, Anutin said there is a peace talk committee for the southern border provinces that handles detailed discussions, which are conducted exclusively among the working parties.
Regarding the Constitutional Court ruling that the 2026 Emergency Loan Decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds for addressing the energy crisis and supporting the country's energy transition does not violate the constitution, and whether the government can now fully proceed, the Prime Minister replied that full progress is not yet possible because the plan must pass a screening committee. The government has assigned the Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry as the committee chair, and only projects that benefit the country and citizens will be approved.
When questioned if the government is confident that the loan will benefit the nation and people and improve the economy, Anutin laughed and said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anek Niti Nitithanprapas repeatedly states that if the loan is used within the set timeframe, it will contribute to some economic improvement in Thailand.
Regarding suspicions of specification-locking in the Interior Ministry’s projects, Anutin asked which project was meant. When told it concerned the EV garbage truck procurement, he said no such project has yet begun; no action or projects exist. Each agency has the right to submit proposals, but approvals depend on the screening committee. Budget approval remains the Cabinet’s responsibility. He cautioned against simple conclusions or rumors, especially about those trying to preempt funds as before by locking specifications. Now, a person skilled at specification setting is Prime Minister, so there is no worry about locking specifications. He recounted his private sector experience where he quickly understood specifications and is known for relaxing them.
Regarding rumors of budget cuts for flood mitigation in Hat Yai District, Songkhla, Anutin said he attended a meeting lasting over an hour. On 8 July 2026, a government-private sector joint committee met at Government House to address flood issues not only in Hat Yai but also in four southern provinces affected annually. He questioned why a meeting would be held if budgets were cut. He explained that budget users and recipients are determined by the government, especially for central budget funds. The Prime Minister decides where the central budget is best used for maximum benefit and which agencies receive the funding. This is the authority of the head of government.