Bangkok: "Phumtham" walks hand in hand with "Anutin" in Government House, happily, ending conflicts with coalition parties. "Sia Nu" teases, if you don't believe it, you'll have to kiss him on the cheek.
According to Thai News Agency, reports emerged following the 2026 budget meeting at Thai Khu Fah Building. Mr. Phumtham Vejchai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, was seen walking alongside Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, marking a public display of unity.
Mr. Phumtham mentioned that the Prime Minister had urged the implementation of pending matters and expedited them during a previous meeting on March 30. The outcomes of the latest meeting were satisfactory to the Prime Minister, who encouraged everyone to continue working towards the established goals, which aim to boost economic growth through effective circulation of money.
When questioned about the longevity of the coalition partnership, Mr. Phumtham laughed and remarked that there was no reason to discuss it, as they were cooperating effectively. In response to inquiries about rumors concerning relations between the coalition parties, Mr. Phumtham turned to Mr. Anutin and humorously confirmed their good relations by saying, "Today, we walked arm in arm and we still love each other."
Mr. Anutin added a light-hearted remark, saying, "I'll kiss you on the cheek," to which Mr. Phumtham jokingly questioned the sincerity of the statement. He affirmed that the government maintained full cooperation, with efforts focused on improving financial management within the system. Various agencies are working within their timelines to streamline work procedures, with the Budget Bureau and Comptroller General's Department actively involved in ongoing operations.
Mr. Phumtham dismissed any notion of humor from the Prime Minister during the meeting, noting that the topic was considered a jest on his part, not the Prime Minister's. He reiterated the absence of conflict, emphasizing his surprise at the rumors, and walked hand in hand with Mr. Anutin back to the command building, smiling.