Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn pointed out that Thailand is caught in an NGO trap. He said that anything beneficial to the country should be considered collaboratively, rather than opposing everything just because they want to. He emphasized responding directly to criticism, stating he dislikes beating around the bush, and remarked that if protesters want to sit in the sun, that's their choice.
At 09:30 on 18 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, said at the Government House regarding the resistance to major government projects, most recently the deep-sea port project in Chana District, Songkhla Province, that everything is based on reason. The government has the duty to present development plans, and the opposition has the role to oppose. However, opposition must be grounded in reasoning about whether the opposition serves the country's benefit or harm. Opposing without adequate study will ultimately harm the very things the protesters are fighting against.
Mr. Phiphat added that protests and opposition to government initiatives come partly from opposition parties and partly from NGOs. He observed that whenever Thailand tries to do something, it gets trapped by NGO criticisms. Even the already canceled land bridge project is still being questioned. He appealed to fellow Thais to consider what benefits the country and not oppose everything just for the sake of opposing. He described himself as straightforward, disliking indirect speech, and will respond directly when challenged.
Regarding the idea of reviving the Chana industrial estate project, he said it is not new but was approved by the Cabinet during the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha. He believes it should be reconsidered. As for the second deep-sea port in Songkhla, he questioned whether the protesters understand the reason for relocating to Chana District, since the current Hua Khao area behind the port is at full capacity and cannot be further expanded.
When asked about social media mobilizing protests against the government, Mr. Phiphat said the reason should be asked from the protesters themselves. He noted that he saw no protesters this morning upon arrival. If they want to come, that is fine, and they are welcome, but the question is why they come. The land bridge project has been canceled and the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) project suspended. If they want to sit and get sun exposure in Bangkok, that is their choice. He admitted his words might be strong but said it was necessary—if strong words are needed, he will use them.
At 10:00, Mr. Phiphat chaired the Cabinet meeting as Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was on an official visit to Australia and New Zealand from 17 to 22 August 2026. Today, eight Cabinet members reported their absence from the meeting, including:
1. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior,
2. Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance,
3. Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
4. Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence,
5. Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture,
6. Mr. Julpan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labour,
7. Mr. Watcharapol Khawkhum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives,
8. Ms. Piyaratch Tiyapairat, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives