BANGKOK, Thailand — Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul marked his 60th birthday on Sunday, September 13, by reaffirming his commitment to serving Thailand and its people, while pointing to improving economic indicators under the current government.
Speaking after a birthday merit-making ceremony at his private residence in Bang Phli, Anutin said he had not officially turned 60 until 10 p.m., but remained focused on his duties as prime minister.
Anutin said he had been entrusted with the premiership through the support of voters who elected the Bhumjaithai Party and through the confidence of Parliament. As long as he remains in office, he said, his responsibility is to work for the country.
Responding to concerns that some problems remained unresolved, Anutin pointed to economic indicators that he said had improved since the government took office. These included exports, foreign exchange reserves, economic growth, foreign investment and employment. He acknowledged that positive developments do not mean every problem has been solved, saying issues such as unemployment and poverty remain challenges even in countries with growing economies. He said the government would continue working to address them.
On political developments following the passage of the fiscal 2027 budget bill, which received support from some opposition lawmakers, Anutin said politics is dynamic and that support for government proposals that benefit the public could indicate that the government is moving in the right direction.
He noted that lawmakers from the Kla Tham Party also supported the budget bill, describing the backing as an encouragement for the government. However, he said there had been no discussions about the party joining the coalition in the future.
Anutin also said there were currently no signals of a Cabinet reshuffle, arguing that ministers were carrying out their responsibilities effectively, gaining confidence in their assignments and working as a team to share the government’s workload.
Rejecting criticism that some ministers were political favourites, Anutin said he had personally selected every member of the Cabinet. He said each minister had specific responsibilities and performance indicators, and those who continued to perform their duties fully could remain in their positions.
Asked about opposition leader and People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut joining an iLaw-led 12-kilometre walk calling on the Election Commission to prosecute 229 suspects in an alleged Senate election fraud case, Anutin said everyone had the right to express their views, provided they respected the law.
Asked whether it was unusual for the opposition leader to take his campaign to the streets rather than use Parliament, Anutin said Sunday was a public holiday and that individuals could have their own ideals and opinions, which should be accepted and heard. (TNA)
