Chaiya Phromar elaborated extensively on his reasons for leaving the Pheu Thai Party, reaffirming his ongoing gratitude to Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra for providing him work opportunities over 24 years. He likened this to a grown child seeking a chance to develop independently and insisted he is not a 'traitor' because he joined the Kla Tham Party after parliament was dissolved.
On 4 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Chaiya Phromar, candidate number 7 for constituency 2 in Nong Bua Lamphu Province from the Kla Tham Party, opened up again via his personal Facebook page. This followed public questions regarding his move from Pheu Thai to Kla Tham. Many citizens still had significant doubts and particularly questioned his reasons for leaving Pheu Thai. Some asked if he had betrayed the party. He firmly stated that he remains grateful and indebted to Pheu Thai and has been with the party for 24 years. During the party's rise, he never disappeared; during political crises, he stayed and did not flee. Especially during the coup, while many senior figures abandoned Pheu Thai to join other powers and praised the dictatorship, he always returned to Pheu Thai and never fled. Even when pressured by those in power at the time to switch parties, he refused, saying he could not abandon the party.
"Over 24 years, I have considered Pheu Thai my warm home. The party gave me opportunities, so I have never forgotten the kindness of Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra and Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, former prime ministers, who provided me political opportunities. I consider it valuable that the party supported me to become Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, during the short 7 months I served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, I constantly questioned myself and heard from the public whether I was removed because I lacked ability or had done something wrong. I could not find answers from the party," Mr. Chaiya said.
Mr. Chaiya further stated that, regardless, he believes there may have been reasons or necessities behind the party's decision to remove him. Personally, he thinks his capabilities still allow him to serve the people effectively. Wherever he is, the main goal remains to work to meet the needs of the people, especially the residents of Nong Bua Lamphu Province and the broader Isan region. This is his primary objective. Therefore, he considers these challenges an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and does not refuse responsibility. He respects criticism and welcomes it but asks for a chance from the public, noting that life must move forward. He believes his previous roles as a member of parliament, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Deputy Speaker of the House have demonstrated his full use of knowledge and abilities and have been a proud representation of the party. Thus, now that he steps out, it is like a child growing into a 24-year-old young adult.
Mr. Chaiya also clarified that he left the party when parliament was dissolved. If he were a 'traitor,' he would have left during the prime ministerial vote. He therefore denies this label and remains grateful to those who helped him, respecting criticism but asking for the opportunity to work. He decided to align politically with the Kla Tham Party because they recognized his abilities and potential and wanted him to help. Accordingly, he accepted that any work helping and caring for local people and benefiting the nation is an opportunity to demonstrate his skills. He asks the people of Nong Bua Lamphu for a chance to return as their representative.