Siripong gave a lengthy explanation on behalf of the government after Sondhi announced street protests, emphasizing that the 'Khao Kradong case' and 'Senate vote-rigging' remain under legal procedures. He views the right to assemble as legitimate but is concerned that the public may not be fully informed about the issues.
At 3:30 p.m. on 7 Sep 2026 at the Parliament building, Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, spoke about former People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul's political movement announcement, motivated by dissatisfaction with government administration under the slogan 'Take back our Thailand.' He said that protests and differing opinions are normal and rights that can be exercised. However, as a minister in Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Cabinet, he felt it necessary to clarify to the public the government's overall actions so far.
The first issue is grey capital. Siripong believes all Thais know that grey capital did not originate under Anutin's government but has existed for some time. What people see now is that the government under Anutin is actively combating grey capital. So far, two foreign nationals residing in Thailand have been deported. Deportation is an individual matter and should not be generalized to the whole country. Some suggest deporting all foreigners, but every country has its own foreign workers. Therefore, these actions are individual cases but demonstrate the government's seriousness.
Siripong continued that two classic issues often raised as evidence of government performance are the Khao Kradong case and Senate vote-rigging allegations. He explained that regarding Khao Kradong, the State Railway of Thailand has already filed 24 lawsuits covering 108 plots, mostly large areas. The remaining small plots classified as Nor Sor 3 are minor. The 108 plots total approximately 800 rai. The next court hearing is set for 22 September and can be followed by interested parties. This shows the government is neither delaying nor favoring anyone. The government’s role is oversight, and it has acted fully.
On the Senate vote-rigging issue, Siripong said the matter falls under the Election Commission (EC), an independent agency. When accused, the government's role is to provide additional information if requested by the EC. However, so far, whether the 26th or 36th subcommittees, the EC has gathered evidence themselves. He and others accused have not even been called to give testimony once.
Therefore, the process is the EC's responsibility. Siripong urged that if independence is expected, the EC should not be pressured. The Bhumjaithai Party is ready to accept any verdict in all cases. He asked the public to observe, noting that many government initiatives, such as local election investigations, did not start under Anutin's government but have been ongoing since 2019. The government now empowers relevant agencies fully to pursue these cases. New players, variables, and evidence increase daily.
Siripong affirmed there is no political interference. After the election, the government has only been in office five months and is rushing to deliver results to the public. For example, from 14 September, people can check if their electricity bills have decreased under the government's policy: the first 200 units cost 3 baht each, followed by a 10 satang discount per unit. This reduces electricity expenses. He emphasized that while dissent and criticism are people's rights, government actions have been evident in results to date.
When asked if he was concerned about Sondhi's street protests, Siripong said that public assembly is a right. His only concern is that the public might receive incomplete information. Therefore, he took this opportunity to help the public understand the situation from another perspective.