Anutin declared he has never evaded the no-confidence debate, affirming the government’s firm stability. He is serious about filing a lawsuit over the 7 million baht tea money issue, stressing that while performance criticism is acceptable, these accusations amount to defamation. He cited Abhisit as an example of maintaining respect and avoiding coarse language in political discourse.
31 Oct 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said in an interview on the program “Talk with Prime Minister Anutin” about the political situation and the no-confidence debate that the government is not avoiding scrutiny and is ready to enter the House of Representatives in December after previous scheduling discussions failed to reach a consensus.
Mr. Anutin added that the government was prepared for the debate, even instructing all ministers not to travel during the expected debate week to ensure their presence for questioning in parliament. However, when the schedule was unsettled, accusations arose that the government was avoiding parliament, which he firmly denied.
“I have never avoided it. Actually, right now we should be on the parliamentary floor to listen to the no-confidence debate. I have already ordered all ministers not to travel during that week.”
The Prime Minister also explained that his foreign trips are due to national duties since meeting leaders and investors personally carries more weight than delegating others. He cited past achievements in investment, exports, and building confidence in Thailand, emphasizing that the government must balance national interests alongside parliamentary politics.
At the same time, he reaffirmed that regardless of differences between the government and opposition, governing the country takes precedence over political games. He views politics as not even second in priority but rather a low-ranking concern; if forced to choose between political retaliation and tasks that benefit the country, he will choose the latter.
“However, as the government, whether liked or not, the country must come first. Politics is not even second priority; for me, it’s one of the last.”
Regarding the opposition potentially debating certain ministers and suspicions that this aims to disrupt government unity, Anutin said people may think what they want, but the government remains stable. He is not worried about who the opposition chooses to debate or skip. If they only debate him, that alone covers the entire cabinet’s responsibilities.
Furthermore, Anutin confirmed he will take legal action against anyone spreading or sharing allegations that he received 7 million baht into a bank account as 'tea money'. He clearly distinguishes between criticizing government performance and unfounded corruption or profit accusations. He accepts scrutiny over inefficiency, policy failures, or mistakes without suing, but the 7 million baht claim is different as it damages his reputation and misleads society.
“If someone accuses me of suddenly having 7 million baht in my Kasikorn Bank account as tea money, I will sue. This is not about scrutinizing my work; it’s a defamatory accusation.”
Regarding the opposition’s work standards, Anutin cited Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and former Prime Minister and Democrat Party leader, as an example of a fully engaged opposition that still shows respect and avoids coarse language. He believes government oversight can be conducted without degrading rhetoric or bullying individuals.
On the Thai-Cambodian border situation, the Prime Minister said it is still unclear when the border checkpoints will reopen, and there is no sign of restoring relations to previous levels until issues that Thailand deems necessary—such as land and maritime boundaries, scam problems, and Thai people’s safety—are resolved. The checkpoints have been closed for some time, and the government must prioritize Thai interests, especially preventing illegal agricultural products, blocking transnational crime networks, and addressing security conditions before moving toward normalized relations.
However, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government will continue working as planned without changing policies solely due to political pressure. He reaffirmed that scrutiny is normal in a parliamentary system, but all parties should base their actions on facts and not allow political games to override national interests.