Theng Nattapong defended Pisal Manawapat, affirming a thorough background check had been conducted. He dismissed the controversy stirred by Pavin’s accusations regarding past support for the NCPO and personal scandals, pointing out Pisal’s current role in supporting the abolition of the Senate and shared ideology with the Prachachon Party. He also expressed regret over the departure of “Doctor New.”','tags':['politics','Prachachon Party','background check','controversy','NCPO','Senate abolition']
7 Jan 2026 GMT+7','tags':['date'] Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party and prime ministerial candidate,','tags':['politics','Prachachon Party','leadership'] spoke about the announcement of ministerial candidates, some from outside the party. He said that while the first two candidates might be seen as outsiders, what matters to him is whether their political beliefs align with the Prachachon Party’s platform. He confirmed that the management team does not consist entirely of outsiders. The key qualification is relevant expertise, not political quota allocations.,'tags':['candidate selection','politics','party platform']
When asked about the announcement on 6 January,','tags':['interview','event'] Mr. Pisal Manawapat,','tags':['person','candidate'] former Thai ambassador to the United States and former senator, faced significant controversy over his behavior, prompting Mr. Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an academic and Section 112 refugee, to submit an open letter to the Prachachon Party. Mr. Nattapong said he had received the issue and conducted initial discussions and checks, especially regarding Pisal’s political stance during his ambassadorship in the NCPO era. He stated he could not speak for Pisal’s personal political views at that time but noted that Pisal was a career diplomat in the US and had to perform duties under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accordingly.,'tags':['controversy','Pisal Manawapat','ambassador','NCPO','Pavin Chachavalpongpun']
“Looking at his record as a senator, beyond voting for Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, Pisal voted in favor of constitutional amendments to abolish the Senate six times. This political stance demonstrates alignment with the Prachachon Party’s ideology to some extent,” said Mr. Nattapong.,'tags':['politics','senate abolition','voting record','Prachachon Party']
Mr. Nattapong emphasized that anyone questioning Pisal’s political beliefs should ask him directly, as he can best answer that. He added that as party leader, he can confirm that the Prachachon Party does not restrict ideas and welcomes societal consensus and openness for change. Reflecting on past political conflicts, he noted that no one truly believed a coup could solve corruption, which history has shown to be untrue.,'tags':['party leadership','political beliefs','openness','historical reflection']
“We have learned together as a society. While some may have believed differently in the past, if you agree that the Prachachon Party is the solution, we are open and ready to find a way forward together,” he said.,'tags':['politics','party stance','social consensus']
Regarding doubts that Pisal might be ineligible to serve as minister because he has not yet completed two years since leaving the Senate, Mr. Nattapong confirmed that prior checks were made deliberately. He had discussed with Pisal that although he might not initially serve as a minister when the party forms government, he will be eligible once his term ends.,'tags':['eligibility','ministerial appointment','Senate','legal issues']
When asked why the party did not select internal member Mr. Fuadi Pisuwan, the party’s foreign affairs advisor, Mr. Nattapong said to ask Fuadi directly. He explained that while he has spoken to many individuals, each has personal limitations and reasons—family matters, inheritance management, political stance, relevant expertise—all vary. Fuadi is a qualified contributor to the party, and they do not overlook him.,'tags':['candidate selection','internal members','personal reasons']
Asked if the outsiders could compete against Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs and prime ministerial candidate of the Bhumjaithai Party, and Ms. Supachai Suthamphan, Minister of Commerce, Mr. Nattapong replied that only two candidates have been announced so far. The party will reveal more candidates daily until 15 January 2026. He urged the public to watch the full lineup, expressing confidence in their knowledge and expertise.,'tags':['election','competition','candidate announcement']
On the issue of,','tags':[]},{
