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Prime Minister Urges Protesters to Follow the Law, Assemble Peacefully Without Firearms, and Affirms They Are Not Seen as Opponents

Politic08 Nov 2026 19:24 GMT+7

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Prime Minister Urges Protesters to Follow the Law, Assemble Peacefully Without Firearms, and Affirms They Are Not Seen as Opponents

Anutin emphasized the right to protest, stating the government does not view protesters as opponents and has never issued an order banning assemblies within 50 meters of the Government House. He requested that protests remain peaceful and without firearms, and ordered all agencies to prepare for cyber threats as the situation begins to spread across Asia.



On 8 November 2026 at 18:00 at Iconsiam shopping center, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about summoning the Royal Thai Police Commissioner for a meeting. He clarified it was not a summons but a scheduled discussion. Due to recent significant events, relevant parties were invited to review the current situation and discuss plans to ensure national peace and order. Topics included the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment's site visit to dismantle a hotel at Freedom Beach, foundation issues, scammers, and facilitating protesters. He emphasized the need for gentle management of the protests. When asked about previous orders banning protesters within 50 meters of the Government House, Anutin said no such order existed; all actions must comply with the law. Regarding protesters camping overnight, he stated that all actions should respect rights. The government listens and will expedite feasible demands while explaining reasons where demands cannot be met. "We are not opponents; we are all Thai people. The government does not see citizens as adversaries," he said.


He requested that protesters assemble peacefully without carrying firearms.


When asked if he would meet protesters personally to receive their concerns, Anutin said that if relevant, he would proceed according to each agency's responsibility. Asked if he would personally accept letters from protesters as before, the Prime Minister replied that whether he meets them personally depends on the circumstances; he has no objection to meeting citizens. Asked if he expected the protests to escalate or widen, Anutin said no, emphasizing that everyone comes peacefully. The law and everyone’s rights exist, and the government does not assess the number of protesters, as it respects citizens’ rights. The government facilitates and requests that protests comply with constitutional provisions. As long as protesters act within their rights, he will assist as much as possible but insists no firearms be carried. He warned that being found with firearms during protests is illegal and subject to prosecution, stressing careful adherence to this rule.


He ordered preparations for countering cyber threats.


When asked about the cyber threat situation spreading across Asia and Thailand’s preparedness, Anutin said he has instructed all relevant parties to be ready, including companies and businesses, which must implement protective measures. He added, "We must keep up with technology."