4 Thai PMs Attend Funeral of Former Deputy Interior Minister
Thaksin, Anutin, Paetongtarn, and Somchai attended the royal-sponsored funeral for former Deputy Interior Minister Kriang Kantapinit in Ubon Ratchathani.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Four current and former Thai Prime Ministers attended the funeral rites.
- The ceremony was held at the Pheu Thai Party office in Ubon Ratchathani from Aug 13-15, 2026.
- Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the Aug 14 ceremony.
- It marked the first public meeting between Thaksin and Anutin since Thaksin's release.
At 6:30 PM on August 14, 2026, at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Ubon Ratchathani province, His Majesty the King graciously granted royal patronage for the funeral religious rites of Mr. Kriang Kantapinit, former Deputy Minister of Interior, scheduled for three days from August 13 to 15. The solemn event drew high-ranking political figures and key leaders from across the country.
For the second day of the ceremonies on August 14, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul served as the chairman of the memorial service. He was joined by several former prime ministers, including Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Somchai Wongsawat, who traveled to pay their respects to the prominent Pheu Thai party figure.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The memorial was attended by numerous cabinet ministers, core members of the Pheu Thai Party, and northeastern Members of Parliament from both the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties. Notable attendees included:
- Prasert Chantararuangthong, Minister of Education
- Phumtham Wechayachai, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
- Vacharapol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives
- Akaranan Kannakitinan, Deputy Minister of Education
- Naen Boonyathida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society
- Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport
Additionally, a large number of local residents from Ubon Ratchathani and nearby provinces gathered at the venue to participate in the mourning and pay their final respects to the late former deputy minister.
The gathering of key political figures at this memorial highlights the complex network of relationships within Thai politics across party lines. The interaction between Thaksin Shinawatra and Anutin Charnvirakul, marking their first known public encounter since Thaksin's legal status changed and release, drew significant attention regarding future political dynamics and cross-party relations.
Reporters noted that during this encounter, Thaksin and Anutin greeted and conversed in a relaxed and friendly manner amidst the somber atmosphere of mourning shared by political leaders from various factions in the northeastern region.
Source: Khaosod Politics
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment