“Anutin” Refutes Spec-Rigging in People’s Solar Project, Insists Vendor List Only Grants Bidding Rights, Warns “I’ll Break the Neck” of Anyone Taking Kickbacks

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 the People’s Solar Project following criticism alleging hidden spec-rigging terms after 60 companies were found sharing identical addresses and another 120 had overlapping shareholder names. He stated that people should not panic over the list or number of companies. Some claim having over 100 companies is too few and needs broader access, while others say 60 is too many. In actual bidding, usually no more than 20 to 30 candidates participate. As long as there is an official Vendor List of qualified and registered solar installation companies, those listed currently are simply entities eligible to purchase bidding documents and express interest, not final contract awardees.

When reporters asked if the Prime Minister needed to personally inspect qualifications or choose a single company if names overlap, Mr. Anutin stated that one must check whether explicit prohibitions exist. Companies are legal entities, and if rules state that directors cannot overlap, then it is disallowed. These companies operate under general specifications as well as specific terms set by the Comptroller General’s Department.

“Most complaints target specific terms—whether they are unreasonable or favor someone. I confirm that under my administration, there is none of that; no one dares. I don’t know about past governments, but under mine, it doesn’t exist because I don’t tolerate it. Every agency knows when I raise a question: ‘You know that I know that you know that I know,’” Mr. Anutin said.

When asked about observations regarding kickbacks from small operators, Mr. Anutin replied in a drawn-out tone: “No. If anyone does it, I’ll break their neck. That’s all.”

Regarding kickbacks from small contractors, Mr. Anutin added that pricing has not been finalized yet, so kickbacks could not possibly occur. Citizens themselves select contractors from the Vendor List. Therefore, the press must filter questions beforehand. He reiterated how kickbacks could exist when the project hasn’t even started, but warned that if any occur, offenders will face severe consequences.

When asked if prior auditing is beneficial, Mr. Anutin stated that screening has already been conducted by the PEA Governor, a committee, and the Deputy Minister of Interior. He does not believe these officials would commit wrongdoing, especially given how intensely this project is monitored. It is not a one-off project but runs year-round, impacting one million households. Therefore, nothing can be hidden; everything must be done with integrity and transparency. With a government subsidy of 50,000 baht per household alongside public funds, corruption cannot be tolerated, and public interest must be strictly safeguarded.

When asked about allegations directly targeting him, Mr. Anutin remarked that people are reacting like frightened rabbits. He is unbothered and focuses only on ensuring that whoever wins contracts does so lawfully and fairly, which is easy to verify while maintaining close oversight.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong