"Teng Natthapong" accepts responsibility after a Bangkok candidate was charged with drug money laundering, explaining that prior background checks found nothing because the arrest warrant was issued later. He reaffirmed the "No Gray Areas, Only Orange" campaign remains unchanged, emphasizing that the People's Party does not protect insiders. Tags: [politics, People's Party, Bangkok election, drug money laundering, campaign integrity]
On 29 December 2025 GMT+7 in Samut Sakhon Province, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party and prime ministerial candidate, addressed the case of Mr. Boonrit Rerungroj, People's Party candidate for Bangkok MP in Bang Phlat–Bangkok Noi district, who was arrested on drug money laundering charges. He said that Mr. Pichan Chaowaphatthanawong, party executive, had already partially explained the details. The People's Party views this case as an example; upon investigation, although legally unresolved, they acted immediately because they adhere to the principle that those seeking political office must uphold standards higher than legal minimums. Politicians must bear greater responsibility to the public beyond merely citing ongoing legal processes.Tags: [People's Party, drug money laundering, candidate arrest, political responsibility, Bangkok election]
"What Mr. Pichan announced this morning includes expressing regret and apologizing once more to the public. We have done everything possible to improve the candidate selection process. What happened partly resulted from unforeseen circumstances."Tags: [apology, candidate vetting, unforeseen events, political accountability]
Mr. Natthapong explained that the arrest warrant was issued on 17 December, and the arrest occurred last night. Prior to that, they had conducted criminal background checks that found no records because the warrant was only issued on 17 December. They had also been collecting public feedback for some time, and none of the information submitted to the party related to allegations like money laundering. Therefore, this was an unforeseen circumstance, not an excuse, and he wanted to apologize and pledged to improve moving forward.Tags: [arrest warrant, background check, public feedback, apology, party vetting]
When asked if a new candidate could be selected since Mr. Boonrit's name was already registered under the People's Party, Mr. Natthapong said that district and party-list candidates differ. They can conduct a primary vote within the district and submit a candidate to the Election Commission in time. He confirmed this was feasible.Tags: [candidate replacement, Election Commission, primary voting, Bangkok election]
Regarding whether a candidate already registered could withdraw their name, Mr. Natthapong said the candidate must be examined for qualifications. He believed the candidate could still submit the application. The party's legal team confirmed this was possible. They are currently seeking a replacement candidate, assuring the public that such incidents will not recur.Tags: [candidate withdrawal, legal qualifications, replacement candidate, public assurance]
On checking other candidates, Mr. Natthapong said with only two days left for registration, it might be too late. Any replacement candidate must be someone both the party and the public trust to share the party's ideology and have a clean record.Tags: [candidate screening, election deadline, party ideology, trust, clean record]
When asked if legal obstacles prevent submitting candidates, potentially costing the party a political opportunity to contest all 33 Bangkok districts, Mr. Natthapong expressed regret. He said losing the chance to offer voters choices in all 33 districts would be disappointing, and they await further clarity.Tags: [legal challenges, political opportunity, Bangkok districts, election strategy]
Asked whether this incident would affect key campaigns such as "Orange over Gray" or "No Gray Areas, Only Orange," Mr. Natthapong said that while eradicating all gray areas or corruption nationwide overnight is impossible, refusing to tolerate corruption and not protecting insiders from day one is achievable. The party's prompt response upon learning of the arrest last night demonstrated their clarity. Even though the candidate was one of their own, they acted decisively without protection. He emphasized this incident does not undermine the "No Gray Areas, Only Orange" campaign and reiterated the event was truly unforeseen.Tags: [campaign integrity, anti-corruption, party response, political ethics]
"I believe that if prior criminal records or summons had been found before, we definitely would not have nominated him. However, no such criminal records existed before 17 December, and no related issues were submitted during public feedback. During the registration period, candidate names were swapped in and out for both district and party lists to show the party's thorough public consultation process."Tags: [candidate screening, criminal records, public consultation, nomination process]
Mr. Natthapong emphasized they genuinely listened and did their best but do not use this as an excuse. He apologized, calling it an unforeseen event. Having occurred, the party's best course is to act fully and transparently, not protect their own candidates or cover up to avoid reputational damage. On the contrary, swift and straightforward action without shielding their own candidates builds public trust that the "No Gray Areas, Only Orange" principle is genuine.Tags: [transparency, apology, party ethics, public trust, candidate accountability]
Regarding other parties referencing this issue, Mr. Natthapong urged media and the public to ask the same questions about candidates from all parties and areas. He noted he cannot directly ask others to avoid direct accusations that could violate election laws.Tags: [election fairness, media responsibility, candidate scrutiny, election law]
"Try asking whether candidates or their representatives presented by each party have any prior criminal records. Even if cases are not legally resolved, why nominate them? I reaffirm that the standards for representatives must exceed legal responsibility. The People's Party has demonstrated that even unresolved cases result in candidate withdrawal."Tags: [candidate background, political standards, legal responsibility, People's Party policy]