Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed allegations that a recent friendly football match between Newin Chidchob and Boonying Nitikanchana was part of a political maneuver to recruit opponents, known colloquially as "political turncoats," into his circle. He stated, "there's only green oil to keep the head from getting bruised," emphasizing that the event was purely social.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin, who holds the positions of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and is the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed these speculations by clarifying that the match was not aimed at enticing a so-called "green snake" from the Kla Tham faction into the government. When confronted with questions about the potential political implications of the match, Anutin humorously dismissed the idea, stating that he was unaware of any such rumors and that the gathering was simply a regular occurrence during football season to promote camaraderie.
In a light-hearted moment, Anutin showcased a bottle of green oil, a traditional Thai remedy, to reporters, jokingly suggesting that its application could prevent bruises, metaphorically distancing himself from the political implications suggested by the meeting. He further clarified that his earlier social media post about "running into a wall" was self-referential and not directed at any political party, urging the People's Party to maintain composure and not jump to conclusions.
Amidst the ongoing speculation, Anutin reiterated his message of patience and mindfulness, referencing his father's teachings as a guiding principle. He emphasized that his statements were intended as personal reflections rather than criticisms or hidden messages aimed at others. Anutin expressed surprise at the widespread sharing of his social media posts, noting that some individuals might misconstrue his intentions, though he maintained that his comments were solely about himself.