Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said it will not be difficult to identify the person who leaked the senator collusion case file. He is prepared to listen to parliamentary suggestions regarding the 400-billion-baht loan decree and mentioned that he is very close to Wuttikrai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, whom he regards like family and has been friends with since kindergarten.
At 10:00 a.m. on 26 August 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview at the Parliament building regarding the case in which Police Lieutenant General Ruthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, admitted that the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) file on the senator collusion case was leaked. He said, "There is already a law stating that anyone who takes official documents out unlawfully is committing an offense. This does not involve me; it is up to the authorities to proceed according to the law."
When asked whether the leak came from a previous minister, the Prime Minister replied, "How would I know? The Ministry of Justice and related agencies have filed a complaint, which is standard procedure. If they did not, they would be accused of allowing documents to leak." He added, "This is positive because once a complaint is filed, everyone can explain how the documents leaked. Official documents should not be leaked, and identifying the source is not difficult. We will pursue legal action fully." Asked about the intent behind the leak and whether it aimed to undermine the government, Anutin said, "It is certainly not a good intention; there is no need to ask further."
Meanwhile, after announcing the royal decree granting the Ministry of Finance the authority to borrow 400 billion baht to address the energy crisis and support the country's energy transition in 2026, the Prime Minister was asked if the cabinet is prepared to explain it. He said, "We have prepared. Today, we have as much as 12 to 13 hours. The government is ready to clarify doubts from both opposition and government members and is open to advice from all members to inform our work going forward. I have other duties today but will come and go and follow the debate closely. Relevant ministers will be present to listen and explain. Regarding confidence in passing the decree, it depends on the House of Representatives’ consideration. We cannot say we are confident it will pass smoothly."
Regarding the image showing him dining with Wuttikrai Leewipan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, who is due to retire in September 2026, and whether he would invite him to continue in politics, Anutin exclaimed in surprise before saying,
"Do you know how many years I have known him? Since kindergarten. He is a close friend, like a brother or relative."