Anutin Denies Locking Solar Specs for the People, Says Its Still in Bidding Stage, Warns Anyone Who Does That, Ill Break Their Neck - Thairath English

The Prime Minister denied allegations of locking solar project specifications for the people, pointing out that the project is still in the bidding stage. The list of company names is not yet the list of winners. He emphasized “none” regarding kickback claims, warning, “Anyone who does that, I'll break their neck,” and told the media to carefully screen their questions.

At 12:45 p.m. on 2 Nov 2026 in Nong Khai province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Chanvirakul spoke about the Solar for the People project amid criticism of hidden conditions locking specifications. He noted that 60 companies have duplicate addresses and another 120 have shareholders swapping names. He urged not to be alarmed by the number of companies, as some say 100+ is too few and others say 60 is too many. Typically, a bid has only 20-30 participants. The current list shows those eligible to buy bidding documents—registered companies interested in bidding—not winners.

When asked if the Prime Minister must review qualifications himself if duplicate names exist and a choice must be made between companies, he said it depends on prohibitions. He was unsure if any rules forbid this because companies are legal entities. If rules say directors must not overlap, then it’s disallowed. These companies meet main and specific criteria set by the Comptroller General’s Department.

“Mostly, complaints arise over specific criteria that may be poorly written or favor someone. I affirm that under my leadership, such practices don’t happen—I wouldn’t dare allow it. Before my time, I don’t know, but in my time, no. All agencies know as soon as I sense something wrong. You know that I know that you know that I know.”

Asked about allegations of kickbacks from small companies, the Prime Minister stressed, “There are none. If anyone does, I’ll break their neck. That’s it.”

Before getting into his car, the Prime Minister asked reporters about the kickback claims involving small operators. He added that the pricing is not finalized yet, so how could there be kickbacks? The people select vendors themselves. He urged the media to filter their questions carefully and reiterated that since the project has not started, kickbacks cannot occur. But if they do, offenders will face severe consequences.

Reporters asked if prior investigation would be better. The Prime Minister replied that screening has been done by provincial governors, the Electricity Authority, committees, and the Deputy Minister of Interior overseeing the process. He trusts these officials to act properly because this project is highly monitored, runs year-round, and involves over a million households.

Therefore, nothing can be hidden. Everything must be done with honesty, transparency, and involves government funds of 50,000 baht per household. How could corruption be allowed? It also involves public money, so we must protect public interest to the utmost.

When asked if he feels personally targeted, Anutin said the situation seems like an overreaction. He only focuses on ensuring rightful, fair winners. He also closely supervises the project.