The People's Party apologized to the public and replaced their MP candidate for the Bang Phlat-Bangkok Noi district after discovering an arrest warrant related to a money laundering case. The party emphasized its 'No Gray Areas' policy, stating it does not protect anyone and is rushing to find a new candidate.
On 29 December 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Pichon Chaowaphatwong, a party executive responsible for the Bangkok election campaign, held an urgent press conference. He said that at 07:00 this morning, he called Boonrit Rarungroj, the MP candidate for Bang Phlat-Bangkok Noi, to inquire about his New Year campaign schedule. He then learned that Boonrit had an arrest warrant issued on 17 December due to his name being linked to a company involved in money laundering.
Mr. Pichon stated: “I must sincerely apologize to the people, especially residents of Bang Phlat and Bangkok Noi. The party thoroughly checks the criminal records of all candidates, but in Boonrit’s case, no summons had been issued—only an arrest warrant dated 17 December, which was after we had completed our candidate vetting. We were unaware until this morning when police searched his home. Upon learning this, we immediately informed the candidate and publicly acknowledged the situation. We affirm that there is no concealment or protection of anyone.”
Mr. Pichon confirmed the party will replace the candidate before the nomination deadline on 31 December. Regarding Boonrit’s case, he must go through the judicial process to prove himself, and the party will not interfere. The People's Party reiterates its 'No Gray Areas' policy, refusing to protect anyone, even their own candidates. Mr. Pichon emphasized that the arrest warrant indicates substantial evidence, and the justice system should proceed accordingly.
Mr. Pichon stressed, “I want to assure the public that the People's Party continually improves its candidate selection process for each election to ensure the best candidates. However, mistakes can occur, and we apologize for disappointing the public. Our 'No Gray Areas' slogan is not just campaign rhetoric; we demonstrate through actions that we do not tolerate connections to illicit money, corruption, or misconduct. We handle these matters transparently and promptly so that when given the opportunity to govern, the public can trust we will not misuse power or shield wrongdoers.”
Regarding whether this issue will affect the party’s popularity, Mr. Pichon stated that the People's Party stands firm on its 'No Gray Areas' stance and will not protect anyone. The party must replace candidates as needed and will re-examine candidate details carefully. About Boonrit’s case, Boonrit explained that he became a board member and shareholder of a company operated by a friend involved in oil exports abroad.
The party is actively searching for a new candidate to replace him and aims to complete the nomination process before the 31 December deadline.