The People's Party is in turmoil as the "Ban Yai" faction rushes to join and compete for constituencies, but Prachinburi erupts in conflict. A former candidate exposes factional groups and coercion pulling members along.
On 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reporters covered the progress of candidate selection for the People's Party (Pachon) in constituency elections. An interesting development is the increasing decision by the "Ban Yai" faction—comprising prominent political families—to join forces with the Orange Party. Meanwhile, intense internal tensions have emerged in the eastern region. Among the candidates for constituencies are notable figures such as Mr. Athirat Ratanaseth (former Deputy Minister of Transport) contesting Nakhon Ratchasima District 7, Ms. Natthika Lohvira for Chaiyaphum District 1, and Mr. Thanawat Phukao for Krabi District 1.
However, the party still faces a major challenge in filling candidates for five constituencies: Khon Kaen District 7, Chainat District 2, Prachinburi District 1, Udon Thani District 6, and most importantly, Phayao District 1—a stronghold of Col. Thammanat Prompao—where the Orange Party has yet to find a contender.
In Prachinburi, signs of serious conflict have arisen as Mr. Paitoon Nakhirin, former People's Party candidate for District 1 (previously with Move Forward Party), posted his resignation from the party. He revealed behind-the-scenes issues that have damaged the party's reputation, exposing that regional coordinators invited him to run and invest in a liquor business (a sham shareholding). When problems surfaced during the Rayong by-election, the partners vanished, leaving him alone to bear the factory's debts and damages.
Mr. Paitoon affirmed he tried to assist MP "Jae" (Wutthipong Thonglao) in investigating extortion from the factory and the establishment of factional NGO/activist groups from outside the region. However, the party's power faction used their supporters to drag him away and attack him with false evidence. He exposed party members in the province and eastern region trying to form factions to select their own candidates, neglecting members who genuinely work. This led him and some disagreeing members to resign. While the party's policies are excellent, some within prioritize their own interests by setting up factions to choose their own people. He apologized to the over 31,000 voters who supported him.