Deputy PM Says Top Politicians' Bond Remains Solid After Photo

At 6:45 a.m. on July 28 at Sanam Luang, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister and a core leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed claims about a meeting between three figures—Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader, and Nevin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United FC. Pipat said the matter did not warrant questioning and that they meet weekly as standard practice and take photos together routinely. He stated that making the photo public would help reduce speculation, otherwise the media would continue to fuel rumors about an issue whose origin he could not identify. When asked if other matters were discussed during the meeting, Pipat confirmed they hold weekly meetings as normal procedure and that there is no truth to any discord narrative. He added that Nevin, being a political figure himself, does not concern himself with such rumors, understanding that attempts to sow division among political figures are common. Pipat emphasized they meet every week and speak by phone almost daily about various matters. Regarding a post by Kruna Chidchob, Nevin's wife, using the phrase "good friends stick together, traitors get cut off," Pipat said he had not seen it and could not comment. When asked if he could confirm the three figures would never split, Pipat stated they have maintained their relationship for 10-20 years and everything must be resolved through reasoned discussion on both professional and personal matters.