Thammanat said he was unaware of any debate forum and responded to Abhisit, telling him not to just talk to look good. He mocked that Abhisit should have 25 MPs in hand first before coming to talk, and criticized not to take grudges out on others. He jabbed at Theng Natthapong, saying he does not know when he will be cut down.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at the Kla Tham party office, Major Thammanat Phrompao, the party's advisory chairman, spoke about Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's announcement that he would not form a government coalition with Kla Tham. Thammanat said no one informed him about any debate, although party name banners were set up. He said there should be proper discussions beforehand if a debate is to be held, as it is an important matter. It should be clarified first, not have the media ask on the spot if he would attend or not, especially as he was about to board a plane to Phuket. He admitted he hadn't followed the news and that the debate involved discussion about him and Kla Tham.
Major Thammanat further revealed that he is not a career politician but puts the people first, especially grassroots communities. Since entering politics, he has sought to play a role in government formation to build unity and promote policies aimed at overcoming conflict. From his time as secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party, his focus has been on bridging divisions.
"Politicians are strange; when entering politics, they like to create issues and social divisions, confusing the public about what is happening in Thai politics. Even before the election registration day, they are already attacking each other. Every time they announce they won't join a coalition with certain parties but then fail to keep their word, resigning repeatedly from party leadership positions — that is a lesson to learn."
Major Thammanat added that many ask if his party is a 'snake.' If so, then the entire party would be snakes. When some party leaders declare they won’t cooperate with Kla Tham, that’s against political etiquette. Since 2019, he has served the people as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives alongside former superior Chalermchai Sri-on. His work involved reclaiming state benefits from vested interests, causing the government to collapse and dissolve parliament to escape. He referenced past eras responsible for losses such as the Khao Phra Wihan border dispute and police station cemeteries, noting the clear record of his work without needing his subordinates or spokespersons to speak for him.
"During elections, politicians speak nicely but what have they actually done for the nation as leaders? Deciding which party to form a coalition with is not the time now; the people must decide whether to choose you or us. If you have 25 MPs in hand, then come talk. Even my own party doesn’t know how many seats it will get yet. We must compete to serve the people and past achievements matter. As minister overseeing land reform, I have reclaimed how much royal land? We shouldn’t neglect land concessions or let wealthy people exploit these lands or extract underground resources from previous eras. I have to fix these issues. Let’s stop fighting each other; politicians should stop quarreling and let the people decide who to elect. Former MPs from your parties who joined Kla Tham have told me they want to work for the people, not just speak empty words. Politicians have the right to choose where to be, but don’t take grudges at home to attack others’ homes. I am not trying to provoke conflict."
He also addressed accusations that he took photos with questionable individuals, saying, "If you lay these photos on a table, nearly half the elite class — from top politicians to lower-level MPs and senior officials across ministries — have taken photos with them. Does that mean Thailand has no good people? We are not a gang of scammers. People don’t distinguish what is what. If I take a photo with someone today and they do wrong tomorrow, it doesn’t mean I’m complicit. The justice system must decide if they are guilty. What I say comes from my heart; this party acts more than it talks."
"Don’t speak just to look good but fail to deliver. When ministers cause damage to future generations, it’s better not to play politics. I haven’t declared I won’t join hands with anyone, or that anyone won’t join me; that’s your business. I don’t do politics like that. Our party is clear — we do not touch Article 112. Any party that does, we reject. That’s clear. I graduated from the Armed Forces Preparatory School; Nation, Religion, Monarchy are important regardless of the issue. We put the people first and let them decide. Don’t decide for the people."
When asked if Abhisit’s announcement to not join a coalition with General Prayut and now with Kla Tham would reduce Democrat Party's popularity, Major Thammanat said he didn’t want to criticize the party his colleagues came from. He said the party’s downfall is evident: when announcements are made, the party’s executive board disagrees, causing leaders to resign. He questioned what happened to such an institution that has been with Thailand a long time, which was built by southern leaders but damaged quickly. He said, "I build my house slowly but strongly, because I prefer to do more and say less. Don’t just speak to look good. Everyone’s past can’t be changed, but we must improve the present and future. Some people with a good image will soon be revealed to have complicated pasts or current misdeeds, and society will expose them."
Regarding Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, refusing to name Major Thammanat as prime minister, he said, "I never name anyone as prime minister. I’m straightforward and don’t act pretentiously. People can choose whom to marry; if they don’t marry us, we can’t force them. I’m in politics where enemies multiply; none end well. I don’t need to do anything; karma will take its course. I pray every morning and night and send loving-kindness to each of you, but you see none end well."
When asked about the possibility of Kla Tham joining hands with Prachachon and Democrat parties, Major Thammanat said, "Don’t announce whether we will or won’t cooperate because we don’t know how many seats we’ll get. The people must decide and choose. Announcing now is premature since you never know when you might be cut down."