Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paid homage to the city's sacred sites, visiting the City Pillar Shrine and Wat Phra Kaew, before submitting the cabinet list for royal endorsement. He announced the completion of his mission as "Big Lek," the prospective Defense Minister, awaited his arrival but experienced a minor mishap on the stairs. Anutin arrived at the City Pillar Shrine after reviewing the Cabinet list at the Cabinet Secretariat, where he was greeted by Deputy Minister of Defense Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit.
According to Thai News Agency, at the first site, the Prime Minister paid homage to sacred objects at the Buddha Hall. During this visit, General Natthapol, following Anutin, slipped and fell on the stairs leading up to the hall. The slip was attributed to his socks, but he quickly recovered and remained uninjured, much to the relief of onlookers. Mr. Anutin continued his homage by tying a three-colored silk cloth and offering a garland at the City Pillar Shrine, while also paying respects to the five guardian deities and filling the lamp with oil for the Buddha image of the day of birth.
Supporters at the City Pillar Shrine encouraged Mr. Anutin, chanting "Prime Minister, keep fighting!" in support. In response, Anutin expressed his gratitude by raising his hands in a wai. He then proceeded across the road to Wat Phra Kaew, entering through the Sawasdi Sopha Gate to pay respects to the sacred objects in the Grand Palace. The visit lasted about 10 minutes, after which he told reporters, "I bring you merit," prompting a collective "Sadhu" from the reporters. Inquiries about his next destination after fulfilling his duties at Wat Phra Kaew were met with a light-hearted comment about possibly visiting a laab restaurant.
When asked about his feelings on the day's events, Mr. Anutin expressed satisfaction with completing his duties regarding the royal endorsement of the Cabinet, though he acknowledged there was still more work ahead.
Reporters also noted an interaction with a group of Turkish tourists who, upon recognizing Mr. Anutin as Prime Minister, requested a photo with him. As his car departed from Wat Phra Kaew, the tourists waved goodbye. Before boarding a bus, another foreign tourist asked for a selfie, to which the Prime Minister responded, "Welcome to Thailand. Good Luck."