PM Anuthin Defends Surprise Drug Checkpoint Stop
Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul defended a surprise visit to a drug checkpoint in Buriram province, denying claims it was staged and insisting he traveled without advance notice to his security team.
Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul, also Interior Minister, gave a statement on August 17 at Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base defending the surprise stop at a drug and weapons checkpoint in Ban Dan district, Buriram province on August 16. He said the checkpoint was routine and that his vehicle simply happened to pass through. When asked about the checkpoint's drug seizure record, Anuthin recounted that officers reported catching drug traffickers, including one motorcycle driver who panicked and crashed when spotting the checkpoint. Responding to criticism that the visit appeared staged because police would not have known in advance about the PM's movements, Anuthin stated he had not been to Buriram in weeks and decided to visit without planning. He rejected suggestions of orchestrated theatrics, saying police had no foreknowledge because it was a holiday with no official convoy or reception arranged. He travelled only with his personal team, with no formal welcoming parties.
