Politics
Prime Minister Anutin Addresses Allegations Regarding Royal Institution
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has publicly denied accusations of misusing the Royal Institution for political gain.
On September 8, 2026, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed public concerns regarding allegations that he has improperly invoked the Royal Institution to support government policies. Speaking during an interview on the Thai PBS program 'Top Joke' on the evening of September 7, the Prime Minister firmly rejected claims of misconduct.
Anutin stated that his primary duty as Prime Minister is to serve the monarchy by supporting royal initiatives that benefit the public. He challenged critics to identify specific instances of misuse, asserting that his actions are strictly procedural and aligned with his official responsibilities. When questioned about his frequent appearances alongside royal secretaries or his participation in Privy Council meetings, Anutin clarified that these engagements are conducted according to official schedules. He emphasized that he has never leveraged the monarchy for political advantage or administrative maneuvering.
For residents and visitors, this clarification highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the intersection of government administration and the monarchy in Thailand. While the Prime Minister has provided his perspective on these procedural interactions, the public discourse regarding the boundaries of political conduct remains active. Observers should note that these statements represent the Prime Minister's official stance on the matter, and further developments or public reactions to these claims remain to be seen.