Anutin declared the government does not need to explain the Senate rigging issue as it is not involved, after the People’s Party prepared to present additional evidence. He said the government will proceed with legal action against Yingcheep of iLaw, and that the local government exam corruption case has been fully addressed and closed.
At 09:50 on 3 August 2026 at the Ministry of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was interviewed about the People’s Party’s plan to present further evidence on the special region Senate rigging case on 4 August. He said, "They are doing their role. How they choose to explain it is up to those responsible. The government has no connection to the Senate; it is not our responsibility to explain." When asked if he had filed a complaint against Yingcheep Atchanon, director of the Internet Law Project (iLaw), Anutin said legal action is underway, with his lawyer Supachai Jaisamut, a party-list MP from Bhumjaithai Party. Asked about the opposition’s planned no-confidence debate in August, he said it is normal and not surprising. The opposition has a duty to scrutinize fully and should be commended for that. If the government does not commit wrongdoing, there is nothing to worry about. This government has done no wrong. When asked if he is satisfied with ministers’ performance in the past three months, Anutin replied, "Ask the public. If I answer, I would be biased." When asked if the government is ready to face a no-confidence debate so soon after taking office, he said during the government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, they faced no-confidence debates within three to four months as well, and he has never missed one.
When asked if the opposition bringing up the Senate rigging issue would harm the parliamentary atmosphere, Anutin said he has not seen any government connection to the Senate elections of 2024, as this government took office on 1 April 2026 after its policy speech. Asked whether there are restrictions because some ministers were previously accused, he retorted, "Who? Name them. What happened? Don't sue me. If you sue, you must pay yourself, right? Where else does the accused ask the plaintiff not to sue? Don’t sue here, don’t sue there. Then what?" Asked if it seemed like there was a restriction on discussing unrelated matters, Anutin said, "No, anyone can say whatever they want. But the government is not involved. The government will respond to issues related to its work, not political matters. The government runs the country, not politics." When asked if there will be government protectors, he said, "No. Does this need protection?" then pointed to three deputy ministers of the Ministry of Interior.
He is confident the local government exam corruption issue has been fully addressed and is now closed.
When asked if he fears the opposition will raise the local exam corruption issue during the debate, Anutin said, "Everything is visible, isn’t it? Reporters see what’s happening. How many are in jail now? How many have been prosecuted? The exam cancellation has been announced and action taken. Soon there will be meetings of the Central Committee on Local Official Exams (KSO) and the Central Committee on Local Administrative Personnel Management (Klang). Notifications have been sent to provinces and local governments. Those involved will be dismissed and prosecuted. This is a process. Is it slow? No, it is efficient. Suspected persons have been prosecuted by police without bail. The review process involves many agencies. I appreciate all agencies involved. It aligns with my intention. Importantly, independent agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) oversee this case. No one can interfere. This should reassure the public that there is no cover-up. The government appointed Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt as head of the fact-finding team. Other agencies are involved. Suspected individuals have been transferred out of power. The public can trust this. This corruption is very disgraceful. Once it occurred, the government acted immediately. Regarding local corruption, I consider it settled. Legal proceedings are underway. Accusations and disciplinary investigations are in progress. Exam results cancellation has been done. Prosecution of related parties will follow. The only thing left is the court verdict. Agencies must file complaints, prosecute, and take cases to court. The government has done everything it should."
When asked if the opposition voting for the government in the no-confidence debate would signal a desire to join the government, Anutin replied, "Let it happen first, then ask."