At 10:15 a.m. on June 12, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, arrived at Government House to attend the 3rd Cabinet Submission Screening Committee meeting. Newly appointed advisor Jitra Meethong also joined the session.
Reporters questioned Anutin about recent images showing Buriram United President Newin Chidchob and Uthai Thani MP Chada Thaiset—key Bhumjaithai Party figures—dining with Santi Promphat, deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). When asked if this signaled efforts to attract MPs from Phetchabun to Bhumjaithai, Anutin replied with a smile, “I don’t know how to answer.”
Regarding Jitra’s appointment as his advisor, Anutin said he’s known her for over 10 years and praised her political competence and capability. He invited Jitra to stand beside him during the interview, noting it was her first official workday.
When reporters pointed out that Santi had not denied the speculation, Anutin simply nodded and smiled. Asked again if discussions had taken place, Anutin denied it, clarifying that Jitra had now officially joined the Bhumjaithai Party, which she confirmed with a nod.
Pressed about visible evidence of talks with Santi, Anutin dodged the question, saying “Hold on” while laughing quietly and shaking his head. He offered no clear answer and raised his hands in a wai before heading to the meeting. Turning back, he told reporters to ask questions that benefit the public, not just politics.
Despite persistent probing, Anutin declined to elaborate further, emphasizing he would only respond to public-interest topics. When asked whether bringing in Santi's group was a strategy to secure leverage for a future cabinet reshuffle, Anutin only chuckled. He refused to answer whether it was a show of political power and quickly made his way into the Command Building.