Anutin said the case involving MP Idea is a personal matter; each person has the duty to declare assets and provide explanations. He confirmed that flood relief payments are being expedited, and Hat Yai is fully prepared for flood prevention measures.
At 10:00 a.m. on 21 October 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke at the parliament about the case of Ms. Suchada Sang Thanthap, or Idea, MP for Chaiyaphum province from the Bhumjaithai Party, along with her husband, Mr. Taiyang Sang. She provided information to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday (20 October). When asked if he had spoken to Ms. Suchada, Anutin replied that he had not yet. He said he has been following the news and watching closely. This is a personal matter for political officeholders, each with the responsibility to declare assets and provide explanations. It is not something for us to interfere with. Like myself, ministers, and other MPs, we all must declare our assets as well.
A reporter asked about attempts to link donations to the party and whether it had been investigated. Anutin said the party has a treasurer. When pressed to confirm there was nothing irregular, Anutin affirmed it. Asked if he was concerned about the impact on Bhumjaithai Party's image, Anutin laughed and briefly said, “I don’t know why you ask.”
Meanwhile, Anutin also commented on the cabinet's approval of a 10.508 billion baht flood relief budget, saying that once surveys are complete and the data is sent to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM),
when asked if funds would be transferred tomorrow or soon, Anutin revealed transfers are ongoing and do not wait for an entire province’s flood situation to end as before. Eligible people can register, with checks to prevent duplication and confirm genuine distress, including interpretations about whether they are tenants or owners. The hardship level and eligibility must be verified carefully to ensure fairness. For example, if one owner has four houses on the same plot and registers all four, there are criteria to decide if they qualify for relief. Thorough checks are required, and once approved, funds are transferred immediately. So far, over 700,000 households have received flood relief payments.
Regarding concerns from residents in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, about recurring floods amid rainfall of up to 100 millimeters, Anutin responded that preparations for prevention are thorough. When asked if he could guarantee no repeat of previous floods, Anutin stated, “We are fully prepared for prevention.” When asked if water management measures were in place, Anutin reiterated that preparations for flood prevention are comprehensive.