Anutin is unfazed by the opposition's no-confidence motion against 18 Bhumjaithai ministers, stating it would be strange if no Bhumjaithai members were named. He turns the forum into an opportunity to trumpet the government's achievements to the public, responding with "Oh, really?" after the Kla Tham Party chose not to join the motion.
At 17:10 on 8 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Chanvirakul, also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, gave an interview at the Government House regarding the opposition's submission of a no-confidence motion under Article 151 naming 18 ministers. He said he had just returned from abroad and saw the list, adding there is no problem and that all cabinet members are ready to respond and clarify doubts for the public.
When asked if he was surprised that only Bhumjaithai ministers were named, the Prime Minister said it would be strange if there were none. Everyone is already prepared, as the Bhumjaithai cabinet meets weekly and keeps informed. Ministers named in the motion have been reminded to prepare explanations, and even those not named must be ready to respond if implicated or if the Prime Minister assigns them to clarify. Since the Prime Minister's name is included, it is like a no-confidence motion against the entire cabinet, as he directs all ministries. Therefore, all ministers must be ready to answer on his behalf.
Asked if he was confident in answering opposition queries, Anutin said he would assign the relevant ministers to respond, as they know the details best. This approach allows clear explanations to the public on all points. The ministers responsible for each sector are best suited to answer, and the Prime Minister cannot address every ministry's detailed work. Since the debate is an opportunity to explain to the public, they will present all available information.
Regarding whether a team will collect data to address possibly legally sensitive issues raised during the debate, Anutin said permanent officials will gather information and set up an operations room to feed data to ministers for responses. He himself does not need to answer every question, having delegated tasks. If any issues concern specific ministers or deputy prime ministers assigned responsibilities, they will answer on his behalf.
When asked if he considered the opposition's allegations harsh, Anutin replied he had not read the details but heard summaries about who among the 18 is implicated. Asked if the opposition's naming of 18 ministers suggests a scattershot approach due to lack of evidence, he said it is the opposition's right to submit any motion if they have enough votes. He then asked reporters if the opposition holds sufficient votes, to which they replied yes, but the Kla Tham Party is not part of the opposition coalition submitting the motion. The Prime Minister responded, "Oh, really?" He then asked rhetorically if the opposition is incomplete without Kla Tham. Reporters explained that Kla Tham withdrew from the opposition earlier and did not join the motion submission, to which the Prime Minister said, "Oh, Kla Tham did not submit? Why did they not join?"
When told Kla Tham left the opposition whip, Anutin asked if opposition leaders cannot bring Kla Tham to join the motion. Reporters explained Kla Tham cited concerns the motion focused on issues about Senate collusion rather than government performance oversight. Anutin replied again, "Oh, really? Okay."
Asked whether the government has plans for Kla Tham if they support the government, the Prime Minister said all actions will follow the constitution and laws. He noted that during this period, there will be ASEAN and APEC meetings and visits from foreign leaders. He will assign the Prime Minister's secretary-general to coordinate with the House of Representatives to schedule debate days appropriately so that ministers can fully attend without inconvenience.
Regarding how many days are set for the debate, Anutin said it is usually 3-4 days, which is manageable. He hopes ministers will have as few conflicting duties as possible. Asked if he is concerned the debate might mention outsiders, such as persons from Buriram, he said the law protects everyone, and anyone involved must understand the law well.
This shows the Prime Minister is not worried, viewing it as a normal parliamentary mechanism. He said, "It is a democratic process with everyone performing their role. If the opposition did not submit a motion, what else would they do? They have little else to do these days. So they must submit, and the government must respond because the government is working hard. This is an opportunity to explain to the public." "Sometimes, debates are beneficial because we get to hear what the opposition presents, their critiques, and their accusations. All ministers must take note and consider reasonable points to implement."
"Thus, the debate is a forum for both sides to fully showcase their work. The government has been so busy that it hasn't promoted its achievements well, allowing the opposition to spread misinformation constantly, often untruthful. So we will use this chance to present the cabinet's achievements to the people," he concluded. "I emphasize this is to explain to the public, not to anyone else, not to the opposition."