The Prime Minister asked the media not to ask provocative questions after being asked if any coalition parties had changed their minds about amending the constitution. He did not answer whether to delay or move forward, leaving it up to the parliament. He asked to solve the flooding problem first. Anutin quickly retorted that he would not change his mind.
Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, gave an interview to the press after the cabinet meeting, which was attended by some cabinet members, such as Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, etc.
The Prime Minister spoke about
the position on amending the constitution, saying that the government would like to focus on the flooding issue first. As far as all ministers have discussed outside, this morning we received a report that the flooding in Lampang Province has become more severe, and all ministers have only talked about providing assistance to areas affected by the floods, so we would like to focus on this issue as a priority. This morning, we received a report from Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who reported that he has assigned Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, the next Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, to act in place of Mr. Suttipong Juljarern, who will retire on September 30. He is currently working in the area and integrating with others in Chiang Rai Province.
As for whether the amendment should be suspended or delayed, the Prime Minister said that it is something that needs to be discussed in parliament. The government must work for the people first.
When asked about the
case where some coalition parties, such as Bhumjaithai and Ruam Thai Sang Chart, changed their minds and disagreed with the amendment of the constitution, Mr. Anutin immediately responded to reporters that ‘I have not changed my mind. I have not changed my mind. We have to work for our fellow citizens first.’ This prompted the Prime Minister to immediately add that they had to talk.
‘I don’t want reporters to ask me this question about changing our minds because just now, before the cabinet meeting, we talked before and after the cabinet meeting and asked for my opinions. I understand that during interviews, some words are cut out, which makes people feel like they are changing their minds or disagreeing with me. But in fact, we were already talking privately. I just talked to the deputy prime minister and several party leaders and they all shared the same idea that right now, what the government should focus on is the people, whether it’s the flooding or economic stimulus. I want to say that if the governme
nt is stable, politics are stable, the country is stable too. In this regard, reporters must help each other,’ the prime minister said.
When asked further that many people think that if the constitution is amended, it will be an extreme amendment, the Prime Minister said that this matter must be discussed. A strong government is what is good for the people. Remember that we also want the government to remain strong. He asked reporters not to ask anything that would incite.
When reporters asked if this meant that amending the constitution was not an urgent matter, the Prime Minister stated that at the moment, the most urgent thing was the flood situation. To be honest, if you look at the faces of all the ministers, they are worried about this issue. But everyone will solve the problem so that the people can move forward as quickly as possible. Just a moment ago, we talked about compensation. How can we release this framework so that the people can receive compensation quickly? This is what we are focusing on
.
After the press conference, the Prime Minister said, ‘That’s all for now.’ He immediately left the interview area before returning to the top floor to have lunch with the cabinet.
Source: Thai News Agency