PM Anuthins Says Election Commission Case Won't Derail Government

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on 11 September at the Anti-Money Laundering Office that parliamentarians have the right to use the parliamentary forum to discuss the Election Commission case, but he will not interfere with those pursuing legal action. He expressed confidence the issue will not become a political stumbling block.

Monitoring parliament's consideration of the 2570 fiscal budget bill remotely during his official visit to Norway, Anuthins said he must listen to all viewpoints in parliament, not just the government's side, and especially hear what the opposition has to propose. As prime minister, he said he welcomes recommendations and suggestions that benefit the country and people.

When asked how he felt about the opposition raising the Election Commission case for debate, Anuthins said it is the right of parliamentarians and the public. Those handling the case are proceeding with it, and he cannot interfere. Anyone is free to speak using various forums and opportunities, he added.

When asked whether he remains confident he will not stumble politically over the matter, he countered by asking when he has stumbled. He completed his first year as prime minister on 7 September, he noted, and since taking office has worked full-time with cooperation from all sides, especially the civil service responding to government policy. During his first term the "Quick Big Win" policy received strong response; his second term began after elections in which the government's parliamentary seats increased from 70 to over 190. On 10 September, the budget bill received overwhelming approval.

He said he does not know of anything that has caused an obstacle, since the government receives cooperation and works for the benefit of people and the country. He has never felt there was any stumbling block or obstacle in running the government or driving its operations.

When asked whether on 14 September he would monitor the Election Commission's ruling on the case while traveling abroad, Anuthins said he has been granted the honour of serving as honorary minister accompanying the royal procession of Their Majesties the King and Queen on an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, so he must perform that duty.

When asked if he would accept whatever the Election Commission decides, he said he has nothing to accept because it does not concern him and he has no worry. What matters is that the government, not the individual, is not involved in matters outside government policy. The government will not do anything illegal or unconstitutional.

On the current political climate given various political investigations pending against the government, Anuthins said his government has been clearing landmines along the Thai-Cambodian border and fulfilling its obligations under a joint statement to clear mines without harming soldiers.

When pressed on whether he fears political landmines rather than actual ones, the prime minister said he is concerned about real explosives that cause soldiers and Thai people to lose limbs or their lives.