PM Anutin Defends Singing With ABBA Song and Thai Verse
PM Anutin defended his public singing by sharing an ABBA song and a Thai verse about music's importance, following backlash over him singing in Chinese during an official visit to Beijing.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has responded to criticism over his public singing appearances by sharing ABBA's "Thank You For The Music" along with a famous Thai verse praising the importance of music. Anutin posted the song on his personal Facebook account on Tuesday, following online debate over his singing a Chinese song, "Tian Mi Mi" (Sweet Honey), during his official visit to China. Alongside the ABBA song, the prime minister shared the lines: "Those who have no music in their hearts / Are truly strange and peculiar people." The post was accompanied by saxophone, musical note and microphone emojis. The verse, widely known among Thai audiences, comes from a poem by King Rama VI and is often interpreted as highlighting music's role in enriching people's emotions and humanity. Anutin's post came after criticism that he frequently plays musical instruments and sings at public events, with some critics questioning the timing of such appearances amid various domestic issues. The prime minister has previously been seen performing music at official and public gatherings, including during his overseas engagements.
