"Theerachai" denies reports "Big Pom" will step back from politics, stressing Palang Pracharath's progress through experience and grassroots economic policies.
At 15:40 on 23 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Theerachai Phuvanatnaranubala, Palang Pracharath Party's prime ministerial candidate, clarified rumors that General Prawit Wongsuwan would withdraw from politics, saying this is untrue. After direct discussions, he confirmed that General Prawit continues his political work despite his advanced age and less robust health, with all parties still offering support.
Regarding his own role, he focuses on setting policies and directing the country's path rather than professional politics, emphasizing that candidate selection is the party committee's responsibility as he lacks financial readiness.
Asked about policies reaching grassroots people, Mr. Theerachai said past economic policies used fiscal measures to stimulate consumption inappropriately, leading to rising debt while income-generating capacity remained stagnant. Without changing direction, Thailand's economy risks recession.
Therefore, he proposes shifting stimulus efforts to boost competitiveness, avoiding mega-projects, and instead driving progress from the community level through the "revolving fund" project, injecting budgets into more than 75,000 villages with 1–3 million baht per year for three consecutive years. The funds must be invested in income-generating tools to sustainably enhance grassroots economic potential.
On nationalism being highlighted by many parties instead of economic policies, Mr. Theerachai said the main challenge in the next 2–3 years is the global economy growing less than expected. Thailand faces high debt with stagnant income, and without structural reforms, growth is impossible. Regarding security, he praised the Thai military's role in strengthening the country's negotiating power and proposed continuing negotiations for a Thai-Cambodian resolution based on this leverage, noting General Prawit's networks and experience in border areas are crucial for sustainable solutions.
Although the party has many senior members, this is an advantage in experience, which is essential for crisis management, including flood control and complex border situations. Without experience, effective management would be difficult.