Anutin is unconcerned about the opposition using the budget forum to question the government. He denies that Bhumjaithai is delaying debate on the Election Commission's report about the Senate vote-rigging case. He ignores "Mai"'s jibe that the government launched a new program due to falling popularity, stating the government has worked nearly half a year before promoting its achievements.
At 10:52 a.m. on 5 September 2026 in Ratchaburi province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, spoke about the House of Representatives' plan to debate the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2027 on 7-9 September. He said many MPs are already committee members and are ready to clarify, as the budget bill discussion is between the committee and the House. Government agencies will provide supporting information. Those who reserved motions can present them during the meeting.
When asked if he was concerned the opposition would use the opportunity to conduct a no-confidence debate, Anutin said MPs already have parliamentary privileges. What they say or debate depends on the topic and the House Speaker's oversight.
Asked about last week's parliamentary session where the opposition accused Bhumjaithai of stalling debate on the Election Commission's report out of fear it would implicate them in the Senate vote-rigging case, Anutin replied that there is no such thing. Bhumjaithai is performing government administration as the leading party. The executive branch is working fully, and the legislature is also fully performing its duties.
When asked if any agency had inquired about ties between the Senate vote-rigging case and Bhumjaithai, Anutin said he was unaware, denying any knowledge. He stated the government is not involved in the Senate vote-rigging case, as this government took office on 1 April 2026, and the first Anutin government started on 1 October 2025. The Senate election was held in 2024. Thus, both his governments came more than 1 year and 3 months after the Senate election. He insisted he knew nothing about the case.
When asked if he saw this as opposition agitation, Anutin said everyone performs their roles. They listen and respond accordingly. They cannot forbid accusations. The opposition checks the government, and the government must explain. If explanations fail, that is the end of it.
Asked if the opposition demands his personal attendance in parliament for explanations, Anutin said he attends parliament regularly. As Prime Minister, he must manage government affairs. However, from 7-9 September, he will not be at parliament because he has received a royal command to represent the King in paying respects to the late King of Norway. He will return on 11 September. Regarding legislative duties, if not tied up with administration, he would be at parliament all the time. He can work there since the Prime Minister's office is there, but most often he has duties in provinces or abroad.
He laughed and ignored "Mai"'s jab that the government launched the program because of declining popularity.
Regarding the government's new program "Talk with the Cabinet: Anutin," with Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Pakorn Nilprapunt hosting the first episode today to communicate with the public, Anutin said he has not followed it closely but thinks it is good. The government has worked nearly half a year, so it is time for things to stabilize. The Public Relations Department suggested that any cabinet members wanting to communicate or inform the public be given airtime. When asked if the Prime Minister would participate, Anutin said he would if the opportunity arises.
Asked about MP Sirikanya Tansakul, list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, saying the government launched the program due to falling popularity, the Prime Minister laughed and said, "Next question, please."