BANGKOK — 6 October 2026, Bhumjaithai Party members who attended the birthday celebration of Newin Chidchob on 4 October did not abandon flood-hit areas to attend the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said.
Phiphat, a Bhumjaithai key figure, said attending the birthday celebration of Newin, chairman of Buriram United Football Club, was simply a long-standing Thai social tradition among friends and political allies.
Speaking at Government House at 09:50, Phiphat said he had attended Newin’s birthday celebration almost every year for nearly 20 years, describing it as an expression of friendship and goodwill rather than a political gathering.
Asked whether the event was being interpreted as a political roll call, Phiphat rejected the suggestion, saying the prime minister had instructed officials and politicians in flood-affected areas to remain there and monitor the situation.
He said Bhumjaithai MPs in flood-hit areas, particularly in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Ang Thong provinces and surrounding areas of Bangkok, had not travelled to the birthday event. The three deputy interior ministers also remained in Bangkok to help oversee the flood response and assist affected residents.
Asked whether Newin, widely known as “the Big Boss,” had given party members any political advice, Phiphat said there was no such discussion.
“Everyone has their own responsibilities. We have to take care of our duties. As for friendship and familiarity, we simply went to wish him a happy birthday,” Phiphat said.
Asked whether Newin had given any message to Bhumjaithai members, Phiphat again denied that party matters had been discussed, saying the gathering was solely to celebrate Newin’s birthday and followed a local tradition observed every year in Buriram and Surin.
Asked whether politicians from other parties had also attended, Phiphat said he had not seen members of other political parties at the gathering, adding that the attendees he saw were Bhumjaithai members who had traditionally attended the event each year.