Thai PM Anutin Stopped and Searched by Police in Buriram

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was stopped by police as the car he was travelling in passed through a checkpoint in Buriram province. Officers even inspected the vehicle without knowing that Anutin was inside.

The unusual moment occurred when Anutin visited Buriram province on Sunday (16/8) local time. As reported by Khaosod English and Bangkok Post on Tuesday (18/8/2026), the moment was recorded on video and published by local Thai media.

In the video, a black premium MPV is stopped by police at a checkpoint in the Buriram area. The vehicle is then inspected by police personnel and local district administrative officials.

The inspection was carried out at a joint checkpoint located outside the Ban Dan Police Station. The checkpoint was established as part of the government’s policy to increase checks on illegal firearms and drugs.

Anutin later denied accusations that the inspection of his vehicle had been staged. He said the officers were simply carrying out routine duties at the checkpoint and asked critics not to overreact to the inspection.

Anutin said the officers did not recognise his car because he was travelling without an escort or official motorcade.

When asked whether his visit had been planned, Anutin said he was simply visiting Buriram province during the holiday period after several weeks of not visiting the province.

The Thai PM explained that he was travelling with his personal team on a day off. He also did not inform local authorities in advance or arrange any special reception.

No official personnel were deployed, so according to Anutin, local police had no reason to know who was inside the vehicle they stopped.

Furthermore, Anutin, who also serves as Minister of Interior, said he actually welcomed such inspections.

When his vehicle was being inspected, Anutin was told that officers had previously arrested a suspected drug offender at the same checkpoint.

Local police told Anutin that a male motorcyclist had fallen over in panic during the inspection and was found to be carrying drugs.

Anutin then asked the officers what they had found during the inspection. One officer replied, “We only found drugs.”