People are debating whether it was permissible or appropriate after a clip circulated widely on social media showing Prime Minister Anutin taking cash from his pocket and handing it to several residents during a flood relief visit in Sai Mai.
On 29 September 2026, at around 10:00 p.m., Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of Interior, visited the area accompanied by General Dul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence; Ms. Traisuli Traisornkul, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Arsit Sampanarat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Chaiwat Juntirapong, Secretary to the Minister of Interior; Mr. Theerapat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau; and Mr. Ekaphop Luangprasert, known as Ek from Sai Mai Must Survive. They visited Baan Ua Arthorn Bang Khen (Khlong Thanon) in Sai Mai district to distribute survival bags and essential items to flood-affected residents.
The Prime Minister waded through floodwaters to personally hand out food, drinking water, and survival bags to victims at Baan Ua Arthorn Bang Khen (Khlong Thanon). He also met with residents to express concern and offer encouragement. The Sai Mai area, particularly Baan Ua Arthorn Bang Khen (Khlong Thanon), is home to over ten thousand people who have endured flooding for five consecutive days. Prime Minister Anutin stated that he came to inspect the situation without prior scheduling to witness the true hardships faced by residents, noting that flooding along Phatthana Song and Watcharaphon Roads made access extremely difficult.
Reporters added that after distributing survival bags and essential supplies, some residents approached the Prime Minister to take photos, and during this time,the Facebook page Survive - Sai Mai Must Survivewas live streaming, and at 44 minutes and 30 seconds into the clip, Prime Minister Anutin was seen taking a bundle of cash from his trousers pocket and handing out 1,000-baht banknotes to residents. He jokingly addressed the residents in a friendly tone, “Shh, there’s only this much, so it might not be enough.” Shortly afterward, security personnel raised their hands to block the view and a male voice said, “Please do not film. We ask you not to record.”
This cash distribution by the Prime Minister has led to public debate analyzing whether it was permissible, appropriate, and lawful. The clip has also been widely circulated across various social media platforms.
