PM Anuthin Defends Loan Projects Against Spec-Lock Allegations

At 4:10 p.m. on July 10, 2025, at Signature Hotel in Songkhla Province, Prime Minister Anuthon Charnvirakul addressed the 400-billion-baht emergency decree loan, stating that full implementation cannot proceed without approval from a project screening committee. The government appointed the Finance Ministry's Permanent Secretary as committee chair, alongside the Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council and other senior officials, who will evaluate whether projects benefit the nation and its people.

When asked whether the government is confident the borrowed funds will genuinely stimulate the Thai economy, the PM noted that Deputy PM and Finance Minister Ekniti Nititumprapat had repeatedly confirmed the loan can be deployed within the specified timeframe and will boost economic momentum to some degree.

Regarding Sirikanya Tansakul's observation that the Interior Ministry's electric garbage truck project appears to have locked-in specifications, Anuthon flatly denied it, saying no such action has been taken and that projects remain subject to committee approval. He stressed that budget authorization ultimately remains his responsibility, adding that he won't approve poorly conceived projects. He noted that as someone accustomed to private sector standards, he thoroughly understands specifications and won't allow spec-locking to occur under his administration.