“Tae Mongkolkit” took “Lieutenant Nut” to pray at Wat Suthat after he was charged, setting up a legal team to fight all cases and urging action against those involved in the Ladprao Beer Hall fire.
At 4:00 p.m. on 16 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, known as Tae, the registered founder of the Progressive Party, brought Lieutenant Chitpong, or “Lieutenant Nut,” to pay respects at Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan after Nut was charged the previous night. The visit was for spiritual merit and to dedicate merit to those who died in the Ladprao Beer Hall fire.
Mongkolkit said they initially planned to pay respects to the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew and dedicate merit to the fire victims, but the temple was closed. They therefore made merit at Wat Suthat instead, receiving holy water and dedicating merit to the more than 30 people who have died so far.
He added that he invited Lieutenant Nut to make merit for good fortune, believing that those working for the public good naturally face obstacles, comparing it to sailing in deep seas encountering storms, a challenge he is already accustomed to.
Mongkolkit said that if those helping the public are prosecuted in this way, volunteers and social workers may hesitate to show themselves or wear identifying marks when aiding people. He emphasized that Lieutenant Nut acts with public interest in mind, receives no government salary, uses no public tax funds, and rushes to help, unlike some agencies with direct official duties.
He revealed a legal team of four to five lawyers, led by attorney Anantalak Petchhin, has been appointed to handle Lieutenant Nut’s case, vowing to fight every charge. They also plan to meet with the public as opportunities arise.
Furthermore, he urged the government to promptly investigate those responsible for the Ladprao Beer Hall fire, noting that four days have passed. He called on Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who oversees Bangkok, to examine licenses granted to establishments registered as restaurants but operating as entertainment venues to evade the law, identifying who authorized and who is responsible.
He also demanded police issue arrest warrants for those involved in permitting such establishments if illegal and release CCTV footage from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. over the past 10 days so the public can verify if they operated beyond allowed hours and who visited.
Mongkolkit stated that Lieutenant Nut is not responsible for supervising establishments but was prosecuted, while those with direct duties should be investigated. He stressed the need to expedite cases against those involved in illegal entertainment venues and authorities who granted permissions if found guilty, urging Bangkok authorities to take serious action.
He also commented on the Metropolitan Police Chief’s statement that all cases will be prosecuted, emphasizing that criminal cases rely on evidence and intent, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. He noted that such statements might be seen as influencing or interfering with investigators who should have independence in case consideration.
He further called on police to swiftly issue arrest warrants for those involved in illegal entertainment venues, investigating whether politicians, Members of Parliament, Bangkok council members, or influential figures engaged in corruption. He stressed the importance of prioritizing finding those truly responsible given the high number of deaths.
After praying, when asked what he wished for, Mongkolkit said he prayed for himself and Lieutenant Nut to be acquitted of all cases, believing Nut has good intentions. He added, “Heaven has eyes. When the sky changes color, the wind changes direction. When power changes, everything changes.” He affirmed that if Lieutenant Nut were a bad person, he would not associate with him.
Lieutenant Chitpong, or “Lieutenant Nut,” said making merit at Wat Suthat today brought him peace, relief, and encouragement. He thanked Mongkolkit for appointing a legal team to support his case.
Lieutenant Nut apologized if any of his actions were inappropriate or mistaken, affirming he will follow legal processes. He is ready to accept guilt if found guilty but will truthfully defend himself if not. He asked for public compassion, stating he does not want trouble with anyone and aims to engage in politics through a new approach emphasizing cooperation between opposition and government, continuing to push policies outlined by Mongkolkit.