Anutin Explains Police Chief Meeting, Vows to Hear Protesters
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul clarified that his meeting with the national police chief was a routine discussion about protest management, not a summons. He denied imposing a 50-meter protest ban around Government House, affirmed the government's willingness to hear demonstrators' demands, and emphasized that all actions will follow the law while respecting citizens' constitutional right to assemble peacefully.
On November 8 at Iconsiam, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explained that he did not 'summon' the national police chief but arranged a meeting to discuss the current situation and operational plans to maintain peace after important developments earlier in the week. Anutin said media reports exaggerated the meeting's significance. He cited several ongoing issues: the Phuket case where Natural Resources Minister Chalermchai Sri-on oversaw the demolition of the Freedom Beach hotel to return the area to the public, which will involve legal action; foundation-related scam and hacker cases originating from Europe; and the facilitation of protesters to ensure their safety and convenience while maintaining order.
Regarding rumors of a 50-meter protest ban around Government House, Anutin denied any such order existed, stating all actions follow existing laws that protect government premises nationwide, not just Government House. On overnight protests, he said everything will proceed according to rights — the government will listen to demands, expedite action where possible, and explain limitations where demands cannot be immediately met, emphasizing the government does not view citizens as opponents.
Asked about the protest timeline and the demand to cut diesel prices by 10 baht, Anutin said the duration is uncertain and all measures must have cause and effect. On personally receiving protest letters, he said he has done so before and has no problem doing so again if necessary, as protesters are citizens the government serves. When asked whether large crowds would disrupt Government House operations, he dismissed comparisons to past assessments of protest expansion, stating participants have been peaceful and the government respects their constitutional right to assemble without estimating crowd sizes.
