Politics
Prime Minister Anutin Addresses Dinner Meeting with Commerce Permanent Secretary
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul clarified his recent meeting with the outgoing Commerce Permanent Secretary, dismissing political speculation.
On August 26, 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed media inquiries regarding a widely circulated photograph showing him dining with Wuttikrai Leewiraphan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. The meeting, which took place on August 25, sparked public speculation about whether the Prime Minister intended to recruit the official for a political role following his upcoming retirement in September.
Responding to the questions at Parliament, the Prime Minister expressed surprise at the political interpretation of the event. He emphasized that his relationship with Wuttikrai is personal and long-standing, dating back to their childhood in kindergarten. He described the official as a close friend and someone he considers family, rather than a political associate.
For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this clarification serves to dampen rumors of an immediate cabinet reshuffle or political appointment involving the Ministry of Commerce. While the Prime Minister has firmly characterized the dinner as a private social engagement between old friends, the official status of Wuttikrai Leewiraphan remains unchanged as he approaches his scheduled retirement next month. Observers continue to monitor whether any future professional collaboration will occur, though no such plans have been confirmed or announced by the government at this time.