BANGKOK — 30 March 2026, A man rode a motorcycle up to Government House on Monday, sounding his horn and shouting for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul while demanding compensation, before being intercepted and persuaded to leave by security officers.
The incident occurred shortly after Anutin had departed Government House at 10:20 to attend an external engagement.
At about 10:35, the man, later identified as Phongphichan Thanathiraphong, entered through the Chamai Maruchet Bridge gate and rode towards the Thai Khu Fah building, the prime minister’s office. He repeatedly sounded his horn and called out for the premier, demanding compensation and protesting a 500-baht fine imposed by Phahonyothin police.
Security officers on motorcycles pursued and stopped him at the steps of the Thai Khu Fah building.
Phongphichan claimed he was disabled and had been denied justice for 18 days. He also said he was a lifelong member of the Bhumjaithai Party and from the same home province as prominent political figures, including Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United Football Club, and House Speaker Sophon Saram. He urged authorities to show sympathy, saying he had supported the party.
Four police officers stationed at Government House negotiated with the man before escorting him away on a motorcycle to the Government House complaints centre, operated by the Office of the Civil Service Commission, for further processing.
Local media reported that Phongphichan had staged similar incidents in the past, including driving a taxi to park outside the Thai Khu Fah building during the administration of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, as well as at the former parliament complex on U Thong Nai Road. He has also made similar appeals at the Ministry of Culture and at offices of several political parties, including Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai and the Democrat Party.
