Anutin denied rumors that Thaksin was using parliamentary maneuvers to bargain for amnesty, asking the media to help filter out unlikely information and not to press for further explanation. He expressed no concern over people inciting protests at the Government House and urged that rights be exercised within constitutional frameworks.
At 13:00 on 2 November 2026 at Nong Khai Hospital, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was interviewed regarding rumors that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra used the no-confidence debate vote to negotiate consideration of amnesty rights under the Peace Promotion Act. He said, "There are reports; journalists have them, but I don’t know how to respond. None of these reports have reached me. Everything must comply with legal provisions and the constitution. We do not consider individuals; we must look at equality for everyone." When asked if Thaksin's request for amnesty is his right, Anutin said, "Everyone has rights. That’s why I said we can’t check each individual’s name and must follow laws and regulations."
When asked if there was no parliamentary vote used to bargain for amnesty, Anutin said, "I don’t think anyone would dare discuss this with me because it’s not something that can be politically tied." Asked what he thought of those spreading the rumor, he replied, "Exactly. Therefore, journalists should filter out sources of such rumors that seem far from reality. We don’t need to elaborate or ask further because on this matter, if you ask me, I have no time even for a second." Asked if amnesty would become a hot issue as more names are added, Anutin said, "According to the law, there are procedures in order: one, two, three. If all criteria are met, it proceeds; if not, it doesn’t. The law is clear. In my government, there is no room for ambiguity; black is black, white is white. There is no fabrication or false accusations against innocent individuals to create cases for bargaining. I stand fully by this."
When pressed if Thaksin had not personally discussed this, Anutin said no. Asked if he had ever met Thaksin privately, Anutin replied, "No." When asked if Pheu Thai Party would vote in support during the no-confidence debate because they are coalition partners, Anutin said coalition partners and he have received confirmation at every meeting with Pheu Thai leaders, including the party leader, secretary-general, and senior members in his Cabinet, who meet weekly. All affirm support as coalition partners with no hidden agendas or prior conditions. Asked if the two coalition parties would remain so, Anutin confirmed they are coalition partners and leading parties in forming the government. Asked if there is political concern due to increasing mobilization, Anutin said he is not worried. He joked with Health Minister Patana Pomphat standing nearby, "I wonder why this person hasn’t been targeted," then asked Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri if he had been. After Songsak confirmed he had, Anutin said he is not worried because everyone works very hard. Songsak spends time in the northeastern region under his care, working for the people. If accusations arise, they should be able to respond. The same applies to Natural Resources Minister Suchat Chomklin and himself. But the discussion should focus on verifiable facts about their work. Baseless accusations without evidence cannot be proven. Evidence must be presented to support ministers under scrutiny.
Regarding Manot Khleukaeo, village headman of Krabi Noi subdistrict, Krabi province, who leads a southern civil network mobilizing 1,000 vehicles for an anti-government protest on 5 November, Anutin said the police and administrative authorities would work to understand and communicate with the public. When asked if the Ministry of Interior had engaged with local leaders, Anutin said the administrative authority is under the Ministry of Interior. Asked about claims of many achievements and that while parliamentary work is one part, outside parliament a march to the Government House is planned, Anutin said, "I ask everyone to exercise their rights within the constitutional framework. We are open and supportive."
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