BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended the participation of a privy councilor in a disaster and drought management board meeting, saying it is a normal practice that has been in place for nearly a decade and does not constitute interference in government decision-making. Speaking at Government House on May 21, Anutin said the meetings are primarily for presenting operational updates and receiving input from experienced figures, including privy councilors who have long backgrounds in public administration and regional oversight.
He stressed that the engagement is part of routine coordination and information-sharing, not a formal decision-making process or directive mechanism, adding that it helps strengthen understanding of field-level conditions.
Responding to criticism that the arrangement may blur institutional roles, the prime minister rejected the claim and said such interpretations were incorrect. He added that all comments suggesting otherwise were “misleading” and reflected a lack of understanding of governance.
Anutin also dismissed criticism that used political expressions questioning his administration, saying such rhetoric should not be taken seriously and urging focus on intent rather than wording.
In a strongly worded response, he said some critics lacked “maturity and understanding of national administration,” arguing that public commentary should be based on facts rather than political language.
On the issue of flooding in several provinces, including recurring flash floods in Phetchabun, the prime minister said provincial governors are operating under established disaster response plans, with mechanisms already in place for emergency declarations and central assistance. Asked about concerns that a high flood barrier constructed on the Myanmar side near Mae Sai could be affecting water flow, Anutin said he was not yet aware of the detailed situation, adding that it falls under normal administrative management within allocated budgets across each region. He added that all provinces remain on alert for potential new waves of flash floods, with coordination between local and central authorities ongoing to manage the situation.
