The Prime Minister said he was unaware of the blue motorcycle taxi vest issue until a Chonburi MP from the Palang Pracharath Party informed him. He confirmed his disagreement with the change and contacted local officials to find a way to revert to the original color. He emphasized that he listens to all parties, even though the opposition party attacks him almost daily.
On 22 October 2026 at the Thai Koo Fah Building, Government House, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about the motorcycle taxi vests in Chonburi Province, which changed from orange to blue. He explained that he knew nothing about this. Yesterday (21 Oct), he attended a parliamentary meeting where a Palang Pracharath MP approached him asking about the order to change the vest color and described the issues. He agreed with the concerns, noting that the MP thought the change was politically driven. The Prime Minister responded, “Hey, this blue regime or any blue color—no one appointed us. I don’t have one. I represent red, white, and blue. I've never said I have a personal color.”
The Prime Minister added that the Bhumjaithai Party’s logo color has been blue since its establishment in 2010, used to protect the monarchy, reflecting the party’s principles and ideology. However, the claims about the blue color are accusations or allegations, and the party does not claim anything from anyone. “I personally have all colors; just yesterday I wore green for a birthday party. Didn’t you see?”
Therefore, regarding the motorcycle taxi vests, he said he disagreed—not because they wore blue, but because the MP explained that orange, red, and bright orange colors enhance safety. Motorcycle drivers at night are more easily seen, which helps people be more cautious. That alone provides a valid reason, and they had conveyed this to the MP.
“This is further proof that I listen to all sides. The opposition party attacks me almost daily. If I focused on personal matters, I would tell my staff not to talk to me—they are my opponents, and I wouldn’t listen. But yesterday, after listening, I called the district chief. I thought he was still district chief, but he had moved to the Department of Provincial Administration. I asked him to coordinate, but I don’t agree with this change because blue is dark and does not reflect light. I told the district chief to handle it. I don’t know who started this or when.” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also said he called the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the Governor of Chonburi this morning, saying that if the change does not benefit the public, they should find a solution. He said he cannot order the change himself because he was not the initiator. They should revert to the original color as that is what most people want. He clarified that he shared this information based on what he heard from a particular MP who approached him in parliament. The reasoning was safety for the public, and he asked the Permanent Secretary and the Governor of Chonburi to expedite consideration. It was agreed that the orange color would be restored today without issues.
Regarding the Chonburi MP’s concerns about the price of the motorcycle taxi vest being 550 baht, the Prime Minister said this must be resolved internally. When he said he would promptly inform the Permanent Secretary and called the district chief in front of the MP, the MP then added the issue of the vest price. The Prime Minister said this issue must be resolved within the system as he was unaware of it. He noted there are over 5,000 vests involved, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior must take action.
The Prime Minister added that he spoke with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior this morning, asking how the vest price could reach 550 baht. Based on the condition of the vest, he believed the price should be lower. As to why the price reached 550 baht, someone must explain who managed or authorized this. However, this is not his responsibility. His role is to address anything dangerous or unreasonable. He has issued a policy for those with authority to take necessary action.
“I want to confirm that I listen to everyone and prioritize the benefit of the people,” the Prime Minister concluded.