Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cabinet, adorned in batik shirts with royal motifs, attended a dinner in Songkhla where they sampled local delicacies and interacted with local vendors. The shirts, featuring designs inspired by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, highlighted the cultural significance of the event. A memorable moment occurred when a banana fritter vendor shared a light-hearted exchange with the Prime Minister, recalling his visits after the floods and the viral video that followed.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet members wore blue batik Hawaiian-style shirts, incorporating a royal design and a mermaid motif specific to Songkhla province. They also donned handmade Manorah bead brooches, a noteworthy product of Southern Thailand, at the Gastranomy Creative City event hosted at the Laguna Grand and Spa in Songkhla. This dinner was part of the activities during their mobile meeting in the region.
The Prime Minister explored 16 food stalls showcasing renowned OTOP (One Tambon One Product) items from Songkhla province. The array of dishes included Mochi, Roti with Thai milk tea, Egg Custard, Seaweed Salad, Singhanakhon Pickled Mangoes, Mango Slushy, Crispy Fried White Snapper Skin, Jackfruit Ice Cream, Songkhla Tofu, Khlong Ngae Tofu, and Black Pepper Fish Balls, among others.
During his tour, the Prime Minister stopped by a booth selling local soy sauce and sauces, where the owner gifted him a bottle, reflecting the province's culinary heritage. Another notable visit was to a stall offering mango slushies from Phromsap Marketing, a community enterprise. The Provincial Development Officer explained the significance of the mango as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, regularly featured at the OTOP fair. The Prime Minister humorously inquired if the slushy was free, receiving a witty response that added to the event's jovial atmosphere.
The banana fritter stall, run by a vendor who fondly recalled the Prime Minister's past visits, provided a moment of nostalgia. The vendor expressed his joy at meeting the Prime Minister again, mentioning his efforts since 6 PM. In response, the Prime Minister humorously recounted his visits post-floods and acknowledged the viral fame resulting from the incident.
Reporters noted that during the Hat Yai floods in late November 2025, Mr. Anutin visited the area to assess the situation. A shop owner offered him fried bananas, which he accidentally dropped and subsequently ate, sparking criticism and a viral moment. Reflecting on this, Mr. Anutin jokingly remarked to the vendor, "You made me famous!"