Satit Wongnongtoey, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, rebutted Thammanat Prompao, asserting that they do not merely talk but speak about good things. He took a jab at the lengthy statements that fail to clearly address ambiguous 'gray' issues and denied any resentment regarding former MPs moving to the Kla Party.
At 13:00 on 25 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Satit Wongnongtoey, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, gave an interview responding to Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, Chairman of the Kla Party Advisory Board and prime ministerial candidate, who criticized Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s announcement not to join a government with the Kla Party. Satit said that political parties must have clear stances, especially when public trust is low due to concerns about 'gray' politics. Abhisit, as Democrat leader, was the first to declare the party cannot work with the Kla Party. This stance was not meant to create conflict or division, nor to provoke disputes with Kla. Other parties may also set their own positions. If Kla declares it cannot work with Democrats, that is normal and not a matter to be angry about.
Satit said that although Lt. Col. Thammanat held a long press conference, what he really wanted to hear was how Thammanat would clarify the suspicions of ambiguity and lack of transparency involving 'gray' areas. So far, this has not been made clear, only criticisms of Democrats saying they 'only talk but do not act.' Satit said they do talk, but about positive things. He does not consider this a dispute nor intends to retaliate but has prepared facts to clarify accusations, which involve different incidents spanning 20 to 30 years, making the discussion confusing. He reaffirmed that Abhisit's decision not to work with Kla is a Democrat Party resolution and a clear stance challenging the political power games in the upcoming election. It is not ambiguous or evasive to wait for coalition talks. Political parties committed to honest politics must clearly state their positions. He noted the Prachachon Party initially hesitant but now also clearly says it will not work with Kla. Regarding Thammanat’s mention of Anutin Charnvirakul and the possibility of joining Bhumjaithai Party if no one else cooperates, Satit said he is also curious how Bhumjaithai would respond.
Regarding Lt. Col. Thammanat’s claim that the Democrat Party’s refusal to cooperate with Kla is disrespectful, Satit said political stance and political etiquette must be distinguished. Bullying others by saying their 'baby teeth haven’t fallen out yet' is about political etiquette. When asked if Thammanat suggested the Democrats’ stance stems from dissatisfaction over former Democrat MPs joining Kla in large numbers, Satit said this is not an issue, as former Democrat MPs have moved to many parties and Democrats do not talk about others. Therefore, Abhisit and the Democrat Party made their decision independently without involving political grudges or resentment.
Satit recalled the political era of 1992, during the 'Black May' events known as the era of gods and demons, saying the current situation is similar because people want honest politics. At that time, people wanted political reform and rejected unclear and non-transparent politicians. From now on, he urged the public to follow political statements and stances of each party through various channels. Politics can create any image or policy, but political stance and ideology show how well a party listens to and respects the public’s views. Regarding Thammanat’s planned defamation lawsuit, Satit said political lawsuits may happen and are normal, but they are confident in their political stance, which is not defamatory or accusatory. They do not claim wrongdoing but highlight lack of transparency and ambiguity, which relate to political ethics as enshrined in the constitution.