Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri viewed the photo of Anutin and Thammanat dining together as a normal occurrence. He pointed out that in the past, there was no faction division; outside the parliament, they were all on the same side. He denied that the green faction was being brought into the government to intimidate the red faction, saying such thoughts are overinterpretations, and stressed that any cabinet reshuffle is the Prime Minister's prerogative.
At 09:10 on 20 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri spoke at the Government House regarding the photo of Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who is also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, dining on Indian food with Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, party-list MP and leader of the Kla Party, and whether this indicated bringing the green faction into the government. He said it was more a matter of interpretation. Dining with anyone is normal, especially for senior politicians. Even if seen as part of an opposition group, it is normal due to familiarity. In the past, opposition and government only opposed each other inside parliament; outside, they were friends. Members talking to each other was normal and not divided by faction.
Regarding whether this would lead to bringing friends into the cabinet, Songsak said there was no problem; on the contrary, they were already friends and not opponents. When asked further, whether bringing the green faction into the government was intended to intimidate the red faction to prevent dissent, Songsak said, “That's just overthinking.” . When asked if there would be a cabinet reshuffle after the no-confidence debate, Songsak replied that this was a question for the Prime Minister, as head of government, and that the power rests with him. He could not answer.
Regarding rumors that the riverside ministry would go to the Kla Party, Songsak said he had seen the news but could not confirm. However, from his political experience, these things have their timing. Ministers may adjust their work but that does not always mean a cabinet reshuffle. When asked if now was the right time for changes, Songsak said the government had only been working for a few months and reiterated that it was the Prime Minister's authority, though sometimes changes are necessary.
Finally, when asked if the Prime Minister had issued any directives on KPIs to measure performance, Songsak said they were working as usual, following assigned tasks in each ministry, and that he himself was working regularly and rarely missed meetings.