"Taepipob" registers as candidate for Bangkok Constituency 33, replacing "Boonrit" who has been accused of involvement in money laundering. "Chor Panika" admits this case affects the party but does not undermine the "No Gray Areas" principle.,
On 30 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at Sports Building 2, Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japanese), Mr. Taepipob Limjitrakorn, the prospective People's Party candidate, submitted his application to run for Bangkok MP in Constituency 33, replacing the previous candidate who was charged in a money laundering case. Mr. Picharn Chaowaphatwanong, People's Party executive committee member, and Ms. Panika Wanich, the party's campaign assistant, observed the registration process.
Mr. Taepipob said he had been relieved since yesterday. The primary meeting with party members and fellow candidates unanimously agreed he should take on this role. He feels confident and energized by everyone's support. This mission is not just for Bangkok Noi and Bang Phlat districts but for the entire People's Party nationwide to reclaim public trust.
Mr. Taepipob stated that throughout his seven years as a representative, he has always said the most valuable asset for politicians is the public’s trust. Once lost, it is impossible to reclaim. When the party and everyone deemed him suitable to restore that trust, he was ready to accept and return to serve. There is no time to hesitate; even a second or a day of delay harms the country. If the country keeps regressing, progress becomes more difficult. He hardly hesitated, deciding in just eight seconds.
Mr. Taepipob added that for the people of Bang Phlat and Bangkok Noi, the People's Party does not assume anyone nominated will automatically win. He still has to prove to the constituents that he will work fully and bring experience and determination to serve them. He is here for change, offering Bang Phlat and Bangkok Noi voters an option to enter parliament to vote for Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut as prime minister to transform Thailand.
Mr. Picharn said this case shows that when the People's Party discovers a candidate linked to corruption—even if not yet legally convicted and still only accused—the party immediately replaces the candidate. The People's Party does not feel the need to protect anyone and wants to find the best candidates for the people.
More importantly, when the People's Party becomes government with a majority of MPs and ministers, internal oversight roles become even more critical. This ensures that MPs, ministers, and the cabinet from the People's Party do not engage in corruption and genuinely serve the public’s interests. He reaffirmed that the phrase “No Gray Areas” is not just a campaign slogan but reflects the party’s genuine mindset and practices.
Mr. Picharn also said that after seeing Taepipob’s announcement to run as a replacement candidate, he personally felt pleased with Taepipob’s decision. Several people offered themselves as candidates, but before the 31 Dec 2025 GMT+7 deadline, the question was whether the interview and selection committee and party executives had enough time to vet all interested candidates.
For Taepipob, with whom the party has worked before, the People's Party was quite confident, and his views aligned with those of the selection committee and members during the primary. He expressed gratitude to Taepipob for his sacrifice. Although some citizens may criticize this as reversing a previous stance, he sees it as stepping in to help the party recover from the current situation.
Mr. Picharn said he could not speak for the public on whether this case would impact campaigning, but within three hours of learning about the issue, the party acted swiftly to discuss and decide to replace the candidate immediately. He urged the public to recognize the party’s actions and sincerity. The party has continuously improved its candidate vetting process for every election, including background checks, credit bureau reviews, and publishing candidate names on the website for public feedback.
However, due to time constraints and the party’s process, and the arrest warrant issued later, the party could not have known earlier. But once aware, it acted immediately. Even though the accused has not yet been finally adjudicated, any suspicion requires immediate replacement. He asked all citizens to understand that “No Gray Areas” is not just an election slogan. Even after the election, the People's Party will apply the same standard to its MPs and ministers.
Ms. Panika said that for political parties, the most valuable asset is the trust of the people. It is impossible to say this incident has no impact. The People's Party can only apologize to the public for the disappointment. The party is also deeply hurt. However, if asked whether this case invalidates the “No Gray Areas” principle, she believes this is the best opportunity to show the public what “No Gray Areas” truly means.
“No Gray Areas” is not about good or bad people, nor about divine or evil parties. It is not moralistic politics but a system that inspects without fear. Today, everyone sees corruption and gray capital permeate the city and parliament because of nepotism and patronage networks. When investigations start, they are blocked by family or business ties, resulting in no effective oversight.
Ms. Panika said the People's Party has demonstrated that “No Gray Areas” means immediate action when corruption is detected. The extension of this is “When gray areas appear, we act immediately.” This proves it is more than a campaign slogan; it is shown through action. The People's Party, and if it becomes government, will apply this principle strictly. Any minister with even slight suspicion of corruption or gray ties must be removed first.
In this candidate’s case, the People's Party has gone beyond legal requirements. Although the individual is still presumed innocent, the party decided to remove him first because the party’s standards must be higher than the law. The same applies to ministers—they must step aside to prove innocence before returning.
Ms. Panika added that in the remaining 40 days, it is the People's Party's duty to demonstrate its value to the public: good policies, hardworking candidates close to the people. In the coming days, the party will unveil a professional management team to govern the country, consisting of experts with relevant knowledge and experience aligned with ministerial roles.
Key components include: 1. A firm political will; 2. Immediate action on gray areas; 3. More than 200 superior policies for the public to study; and 4. A management team for future ministers who are knowledgeable, without conflicts of interest, and professionals from various sectors. If after all this the public still feels the People's Party is insufficient, that is their right. But at least they are asked to keep an open mind.
“We only want to see a better country—a Thailand with less corruption, good public transport, freedom for all, a media free from lawsuits that silence them, quality schools and childcare centers for children, quality elder care like developed countries. Our dream in politics is just that—not to gain or steal benefits. Beyond goodwill for the country is the hope to pass on a better nation to future generations. If you share this dream with us, we invite you to join us.”