The Prime Minister responded to the opposition leader's criticism of inspecting party kitchens instead of attending parliamentary flood discussions, affirming that leaders must help citizens rather than just fault workers.
On 1 Oct 2026 GMT+7 at the Bhumjaithai Party, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed comments by Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party and opposition leader in the House of Representatives. Natthapong had posted a comparison between the emergency parliamentary flood session and the Bhumjaithai party kitchen inspections on 30 Sept. Anutin affirmed his priority is helping the people first. With 193 MPs from Bhumjaithai plus nearly 300 coalition and allied MPs, a clear system is in place assigning Cabinet members to either parliamentary duties or field assistance, focusing on water pumping and securing relief budgets, assuring that work would not be compromised.
When asked if he considered the criticism, Anutin said he listens but believes his actions are correct and more beneficial to the people. He added that as national leaders, responsibility lies with the government, not with those who criticize for political gain. In difficult times, aid must come through both "hands"—delivering supplies to alleviate suffering—and "words"—offering encouragement—not by merely sitting and finding fault with those working.