"Teng" affirms that the Prachachon Party is fully prepared to announce its MP candidates, which will provide the best choices. He accepts criticism but does not... resign as party leader. He seeks to prove himself in the 2026 election, deflects questions about Suphisal's move to Thai Tham Party, and emphasizes that Prachachon is not a backup party.
19 Dec 2025 GMT+7 Mr. Nathapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, spoke regarding the criticism following the launch of the party's prospective candidates for the House of Representatives. Reviewing the list, both constituency and party-list candidates include many knowledgeable and recognized figures, such as Mr. Anusorn Thamjai and several other party-list candidates from various sectors, demonstrating that the quality has steadily improved compared to the Future Forward and Move Forward parties. Early announcements also benefit the public by introducing the party's leadership team, including deputy prime minister candidates in each area, giving voters the best options in the upcoming election.
Regarding the declining popularity polls for both the Prachachon Party and its leader, Mr. Nathapong said he humbly accepts all opinions and understands the feedback reflected in the polls. Asked why their popularity has dropped, he attributed it to past situations such as the constitutional vote and the complex Thailand-Cambodia border issues. However, he believes the most crucial factor is the election on 8 February 2026, which will determine the country's future. The public must exercise their voting rights to decide.
This election is the first in over a decade where the people's voice will truly shape the government since there will be no influence from the Senate. It occurs amid multiple crises, including gray capital dominating the country, corruption, bribery within the police, border crises, and other threats. The country cannot continue on this path. Therefore, the people's vote in the next election is vital to prevent Thailand from falling into ruin and to elect a government that genuinely reflects the people's will.
When asked if the party realized it made a wrong decision that led to decreased public confidence, Mr. Nathapong responded that as politicians they are well aware. He acknowledged that the poll results might stem from some Prachachon supporters losing trust due to past decisions.
"I accept this and have sincerely apologized. I want to show everyone our determination. We carefully considered all voices within the party before deciding in the nation's best interest. We want real solutions. Despite many crises ahead, I believe the country still has hope. We cannot allow gray capital and entrenched power structures to continue dominating politics. We must choose representatives who truly serve the people."
Regarding ongoing rumors about the Prachachon Party, including old members leaving and new ones joining, and whether these are attempts to manipulate the party's image, Mr. Nathapong said this is natural for a mass-based political party and a standard approach for grassroots work. He challenged everyone to consider if any other party in the country openly invites public feedback before officially submitting party-list candidates to the Election Commission. If a party feared negative news and preferred secrecy to protect popularity, it would act differently. Prachachon believes in transparency and accountability, with representatives subject to public scrutiny before candidacy.
"The recent drama involving those who did not continue and expressed resentment or threatened to join other parties is expected. We intentionally designed this process to allow the public to evaluate and help select the best representatives for the Prachachon Party."
Mr. Nathapong emphasized he will not give up or resign as party leader despite calls for him to do so if the party is to continue in the election. He accepts all opinions and criticism but seeks to prove himself through the upcoming election results. He affirmed his motivation and commitment to work fully because, with only a few days until voting day, the only solution for the country is for all citizens to unite in forming a government that benefits the majority. Today, he has no hesitation, only determination to move forward, build public trust, and gain maximum confidence in the Prachachon Party.
When asked if he fears political incidents could prevent him and 44 MPs from continuing, Mr. Nathapong said this does not distract him. All risks have been managed. With three prime minister candidates and MPs facing risks from Section 112 and other cases, some have been shifted to party-list candidates. He stressed they are not careless but fully manage risks and reaffirmed their innocence, stating such cases should not be used as political lawsuits to trigger legal warfare. He reiterated no loss of focus and commitment to fully pursue the election.
Towards the end, Mr. Nathapong spoke about the resignation of Police Major General Suphisal Phakdinanath, former deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, ex-deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, and former party-list MP for the Future Forward Party, who joined the Thai Tham Party. He said this was not related to clearing the way if 44 Prachachon MPs were convicted. For the reasons, he said the public should ask Suphisal directly. He denied that this was preparation of a backup party should the 44 MPs be unable to continue.