Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has affirmed the party’s commitment to honesty and clarified that it does not seek conflict with others. This statement comes amid allegations from the Pheu Thai Party attempting to undermine the Bhumjaithai Party’s credibility.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed rumors regarding a meeting of the Subcommittee on the Screening of Economic Stimulus Projects, which is set to review a local budget of 42 billion baht as part of a larger 157 billion baht economic package. Anutin stated he was not involved in the matter and dismissed accusations of budget mismanagement as unfounded.

When questioned about Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai’s comments suggesting that any budget cuts could be linked to prior leadership, Anutin responded with indifference. He emphasized that during his tenure as Interior Minister, he executed his duties appropriately and diligently.

Anutin also downplayed the Pheu Thai Party’s purported pursuit of Bhumjaithai on various issues. He maintained that he has not been targeted and that any Senate collusion case is unrelated to him, as it is already subject to judicial proceedings.

Addressing the possibility of being called by the Election Commission to clarify collusion allegations, Anutin expressed willingness to comply and suggested written clarification as the most effective method for documentation. He welcomed the timeline of eight months to provide clarity and evidence.

Regarding claims of retroactive legislative action, Anutin questioned the origin of such orders and reiterated Bhumjaithai’s focus on integrity and non-confrontation.

When asked about references to him by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and other Pheu Thai members, Anutin expressed confidence in the public’s ability to discern the truth. He emphasized that any legal proceedings would ultimately reveal the facts and that he remains untroubled if he has acted appropriately.

Lastly, when speculated whether attempts to discredit him were motivated by concerns over his potential candidacy in a future prime ministerial election, Anutin suggested directing such inquiries to the accusers.