Thammanat opens the Klattham Party headquarters welcoming former Pheu Thai MPs Chaiya, Nuchanat, and Dr. Phumin to contest elections in the Northeast, along with Kunakorn, former Pop Chart MP. Chaiya denies being a 'traitor,' insisting his decision is for the people of Isan.
20 Dec 2025 GMT+7 Captain Thammanat Prompao as the advisory chairman of the Klattham Party, welcomed Mr. Chaiya Promma, former Nong Bua Lamphu MP from the Pheu Thai Party, Dr. Phumin Leethiraprasert, , Ms. Nuchanat Jaruwongsathien, former Sisaket MPs, Mr. Kunakorn Manntheerai, who joined the Klattham Party, receiving jackets and being introduced as prospective Bangkok MPs at the same time.
Captain Thammanat welcomed the new members today, stating that Mr. Chaiya is a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives whom he respects greatly. Having worked together at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, he saw Chaiya’s effectiveness, particularly in cracking down on contraband goods and illegal pigs. As deputy speaker, no one could deny his exemplary performance. Knowing him well, Thammanat invited Chaiya to share the party’s ideals and continue important work. Chaiya also contributed to local development in Nong Bua Lamphu province.
As for Dr. Phumin and Ms. Nuchanat, they are politicians with parliamentary experience. Sisaket province is an agricultural area, so both were invited to join the party’s ideals. Mr. Kunakorn, former Nonthaburi MP from the Pop Chart Party, is a young figure eager to join. Known for his interest in water management in Nonthaburi and praised by local leaders as action-oriented rather than talkative, he fits the party’s criteria well.
When asked if these important figures would secure election victories, Captain Thammanat said, everyone here works closely with the people, bringing their concerns to solve problems. He is confident all will return to the House of Representatives. Regarding whether seats would be avoided to accommodate coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party, since they are allies, Captain Thammanat stated that doing so would undermine public trust. Elections are a battlefield; after the results, cooperation follows. He also revealed that more people will join the party.
On the other hand, Mr. Chaiya explained his reason for joining Klattham Party is its clear policies, especially on agriculture. Having served nine terms as a representative and worked closely with farmers in Nong Bua Lamphu—a province with one of the lowest economic rankings—he believes farmers’ issues must be addressed. The Northeast has often been neglected. Captain Thammanat and Klattham Party, responsible for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, offer genuine grassroots policies to uplift the people. Confident in solving problems and being a beacon of hope for farmers, Chaiya decided to join Klattham. He noted the need to explain this decision to local voters, emphasizing it is not for himself but for the people.
When asked if he could defeat Pheu Thai candidates, Mr. Chaiya replied, he can definitely compete, having faced them many times. Election battles require fighters, and the people will decide. Regarding accusations of being a 'traitor,' he questioned why he chose Klattham rather than a more popular party. He said Klattham can work with all sides, aiming to end political conflicts. He and the party can solve people’s problems.
“Don’t call me a traitor. This decision is for the people of the Northeast. When I return to Nong Bua Lamphu, locals still ask about unfulfilled promises from the past government, such as digital wallet programs. Many problems remain unsolved after two years, including agricultural aid.”
Mr. Chaiya emphasized the need for problem solvers. He believes the Ministry of Agriculture and Klattham Party will meet farmers’ needs. The Northeast has seen intense political competition, with parties making many promises and gaining strong support but often forgetting those promises once in government. Klattham’s pledge to “act sincerely and truly to solve problems” will address Northeastern issues. He is confident the region will welcome those committed to working for farmers.
Meanwhile, Captain Thammanat addressed the 'traitor' label, pointing out that party members have roots going back to Thai Rak Thai, People's Power Party, and Pheu Thai, indicating they are all from the same political family. Many played key roles in building the party's strength. Thus, the term 'traitor' within the Klattham family does not apply. He added that there is no need to question Mr. Chaiya, as they have worked together in Nong Bua Lamphu. Confident in the Northeast, though not talkative, Captain Thammanat rarely takes days off. On 24 December, he will campaign in Maha Sarakham province.
Reporters noted that Dr. Phumin and Ms. Nuchanat are among eight former Pheu Thai 'traitors'—the same group as Sakda Wichiansilp, Deputy Minister of Interior from Bhumjaithai Party—yet they appeared today with Klattham. Reports indicate Bhumjaithai has no available constituencies for them to contest.