(Bangkok, 30th, aggregated report) Thailand's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin responded this morning at the Parliament building to questions posed by opposition MP Jirapong, focusing on his relationship with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the reasons why the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from Paetongtarn's government.
Anutin revealed that during his tenure as Interior Minister, he had repeatedly received signals that he might be transferred. Later, he learned from former Prime Minister Thaksin that the Pheu Thai Party intended to take over the Interior Ministry and suggested that he become Public Health Minister instead. He considered this a signal for the Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from the government.
After the Prime Minister's Secretary General confirmed that "a transfer to the Ministry of Public Health" was the final ultimatum, the Bhumjaithai Party decided to exit the government. Soon after, a recording circulating online sparked further public doubts about the government's legitimacy. After leaving office, the Bhumjaithai Party formed an alliance with the People’s Party and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which included dissolving parliament within four months, promoting constitutional amendments, and recognizing themselves as a minority opposition party.
In response to public doubts over his relationship with Hun Sen, Anutin clarified that this was merely diplomatic protocol with no connection to interference in internal affairs or personal gain. He emphasized that all meetings with neighboring leaders were based on cooperative interests.
Regarding allegations of being a "defendant," Anutin responded on the spot that he was only a “respondent” in a lawsuit that was still under court review, and should not be misrepresented as being convicted. He also requested a retraction of such statements. He reiterated that he had never used his position to shield lawbreakers during his tenure, and welcomed relevant agencies to investigate if there were any concerns.
Anutin finally confirmed that, according to the political agreement, parliament would be dissolved by January 31 next year, and if there were political needs, it could be done earlier. He stressed that this political situation not only concerns Bhumjaithai Party’s choice, but is also a test of survival for the Pheu Thai Party.