“Anutin” dismisses rumors that “Thaksin” used no-confidence vote to bargain for amnesty, asserting no one would dare discuss the matter and emphasizing that everything must follow the law

Today (2 November 2026) at 1:00 PM at Nong Khai Hospital, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai Province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview regarding rumors that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra used the no-confidence debate votes as leverage to bargain for the review and certification of amnesty rights under the Peacebuilding Act. He responded, “There are rumors, journalists have rumors, and I don't know how to answer. No such rumor has reached me. Everything must proceed according to the provisions of the law and the constitution. We don't look at specific individuals; we must look at equal treatment for everyone.”

When reporters asked whether submitting an amnesty request was Thaksin's right, Mr. Anutin stated that everyone has rights, which is why he emphasized that specific names cannot be singled out, and that laws and regulations must be followed.

When asked whether this meant parliamentary votes were not used to bargain for amnesty, Mr. Anutin stated, “As I said, I don't think anyone would dare talk to me about this, because it is not something that can be tied to politics.”

When asked what the motive might be behind those releasing such rumors, Mr. Anutin replied, “Precisely. Therefore, reporters need to filter information; if a rumor seems highly unrealistic, we don't need to amplify it or keep asking about it. For example, regarding this issue, if you ask me, it’s a zero—I haven’t given it even a single second of my time.”

When further asked if the amnesty issue would become a hot potato as more names continue to be added, Mr. Anutin stated that the law has clear operational procedures and a sequence—steps one, two, and three. If everything meets the criteria, it proceeds; if it doesn't meet the criteria, it cannot proceed. The law is clear. In his administration, there must be no such thing as “leaning left or leaning right”—black must be completely black, and white must be completely white. There will be no fabricating charges, creating false information to accuse innocent individuals, or manufacturing legal cases for bargaining purposes. “Under my leadership, 100% no,” he said.

When asked again whether Thaksin had spoken to him about this, Mr. Anutin replied that there was no such thing.

When asked if he had ever met Thaksin privately, Mr. Anutin answered that there has been no discussion on this matter.

When asked whether the Pheu Thai Party will vote in his favor during the no-confidence debate simply because they are a coalition partner, Mr. Anutin stated that as coalition partners, he receives confirmation every week when he meets with the Pheu Thai leader, the Pheu Thai secretary-general, and senior Pheu Thai cabinet members. Everyone affirms that as a coalition partner, they strongly support each other without any hesitation, conditions, or hesitation over “letting's wait and see.”

When asked to confirm whether the two coalition parties will continue together as a coalition, Mr. Anutin replied that they are already the coalition partners and form the core party establishing this government.

Regarding whether he has any political concerns given that movements are beginning to form, Mr. Anutin stated he has no concerns. He then jokingly teased Mr. Phatthana Phromphhat, Minister of Public Health, who was standing nearby, asking, “Why hasn't this guy been targeted?” before turning to ask Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister, if he was targeted. Mr. Songsak replied that he was. Mr. Anutin then continued, “I am not concerned because everyone works extremely hard. Mr. Songsak spends his time constantly in the Isan region looking after his duties and working for the people, so if any accusations are made, he should be able to answer them. The same goes for Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.” However, he stressed that discussions must be based on actual work and verifiable outcomes. If accusations are made without supporting evidence, he would not know how to prove anything. Real proof requires concrete evidence so that the targeted ministers can present their defense.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong