Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explained the issue of distributing money to Saimai residents because the survival bags had run out. He insisted the money was unquestionably clean and responded sharply to MP Rakchanok Srinok, urging her not to apply her own standards and criticizing the use of citizens as political hostages. He affirmed that his parents taught him well to take care of the people.
At 09:35 on 30 September 2026 at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the controversy sparked by the opposition's criticism of his flood inspection visits. He said he never considered such issues and advised not to pay attention to them. When he spoke this way, some would say he was indifferent, then accuse him of ignoring criticism. But that was not the case. Today, he was focused solely on work. He accepted all criticisms and harsh words as a form of venting. He asked people to imagine themselves in his place, acknowledging he might be harsher than others but allowing them to vent fully. He stated it was fine, as a government, it was impossible to please everyone.
When asked about the case of the Prime Minister giving money to residents while visiting Saimai district, Bangkok, last night (29 Sept), he said the survival bags that were brought for distribution had run out.
Regarding MP Rakchanok Srinok of the People's Party List who questioned whether the money given was clean, the Prime Minister laughed and said not to use citizens as political hostages. He emphasized that this was a time to help the people; questioning each other would only deepen divisions. What was needed today was unity and a focus on assisting the public.
"My money is definitely clean. The amount given to the people yesterday was less than half my salary as a government official. I gave to the people because the survival bags I had prepared were all gone, and the people had walked far. I didn’t know how else to repay them, so I gave what I had on hand. That’s all. It was my intention. I do what I can. I never think about political matters," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister added that questions asked should not be based on one’s personal standards to compare with others. When a reporter asked if he was referring to MP Rakchanok, Anutin immediately replied yes and said, "I have parents who taught me well to take care of my fellow citizens."
When asked if, after the field visit, residents still reported not having enough to eat, the Prime Minister said such reports had decreased recently. Asked whether he needed to instruct that no images should show residents not eating, he said he had always given such instructions.