Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed he never ordered the dismissal of Dr. Suphat from government service. He stated he doesn't interfere in Dr. Suphat's daily work and left the Ministry of Public Health many years ago. He also retorted that Prinya, a law professor, should know what political factions are allowed and what they cannot do, pointing out that opponents are trying to link the matter to the Bhumjaithai Party.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul commented on the opinion of Professor Prinya Tevanarumitkul, a lecturer in Public Law at Thammasat University's Faculty of Law, who suggested that the dismissal of Dr. Suphat Hasuwanakit, a People's Party candidate for Member of Parliament, from government service should be withdrawn to avoid losing votes for the Bhumjaithai Party. Anutin stated that he was unaware of these matters, only hearing about them in the news and through discussions. He added that he left the Ministry of Public Health many years ago and that he met with Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat the previous night at the Prince Mahidol event, where he inquired about the matter. Pattana confirmed that the process was in accordance with legal procedures and had no political motives. Regarding Professor Prinya's suggestion for the Bhumjaithai Party to back down, Anutin questioned what the party had to do with it, adding that as a professor, he sho uld know what political parties can and cannot do.
When asked further whether Mr. Prinya viewed it as a government matter, Mr. Anutin stated that the government could not possibly get involved. He had never given any orders regarding routine work that was not policy-related. A policy to specifically dismiss civil servants is impossible. The policy of taking action against those who break the law, whether civil servants or ordinary citizens, is a clear policy of his government. He even used the term "keeping names secret, focusing on the behavior." Reporters should remember that he has always followed this approach, which is why he has been able to prosecute anyone who breaks the law. Most recently, there was the arrest of a high-ranking executive of the Provincial Electricity Authority who was involved in Bitcoin mining. He didn't know who they were, but he received the report. He stated that he would proceed fully to determine who is right and who is wrong.
When asked if the Prime Minister was concerned that this issue would reduce the Bhumjaithai Party's popularity, Mr. Anutin said, "How could I be concerned? This matter has nothing to do with the Bhumjaithai Party. There's an attempt to link us to it, and those trying to do so are the opposing side. The Bhumjaithai Party hasn't controlled the Ministry of Public Health for over two years; we only took over three months ago. If we're talking about investigations into civil servants who committed wrongdoing, which require meetings with the Civil Service Commission, we need to look at when the incident occurred. It can't be done within 3-4 months. And to suddenly say that someone should be prohibited from attending or not attending meetings-how would we know? We don't know. Don't try to drag me into this or involve me in anything. Even I left the Ministry of Interior three months ago. You can ask the Permanent Secretary and all the Directors-General if they ever saw me, if they ever came to report to me, or contac ted me for anything-they didn't. I returned three months later as Minister of Interior. I'm a professional; there's nothing to worry about."