"Teng Natthapong," People's Party prime ministerial candidate, showcased a 630 billion baht mega project vision over 8 years, emphasizing a coalition government model. Upon meeting "Sia Nu" (Anutin), he said he felt no difference from before. "Rom" accused him of borrowing enemy words for vote-seeking.
At 13:30 on 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party and prime ministerial candidate. He presented the Thailand Vision 2035 at a Channel 3 event, stating the People's Party (Popchon) proposes 12 national transformation agendas condensed into 4 strategic levers overseen by four deputy prime ministers under a people's government to dismantle the gray system as follows.
1. Reform the state to build trust.
2. Revive the grassroots economy to foster inclusive growth.
3. Develop human capital to create better quality of life.
4. Adjust strategies to establish new national security and foreign policy.
They aim to accelerate investment in urban populations, digital technology, and sustainability through an orange mega project with a 630 billion baht investment target over 8 years. Examples include nationwide electric buses, seamless Nano Bus connectivity, potable tap water nationwide, human capital development from prenatal to elderly stages, wage adjustments aligned with living costs and skills, building a modern, transparent military under civilian government transitioning from conscription to a professional force, pro-Thai diplomacy without favoring any superpower, comprehensive judicial reforms to break cycles of bribery and corruption, eliminating position trading, and restoring public trust in police organizations.
Mr. Natthapong responded to questions on whether the People's Party's model announced on 11 Jan 2026 requires a single-party government by saying not exactly. If under 250 seats, their goal is to form a people's government. Coalition partners must work cross-ministerially. The structure should include deputy prime ministers overseeing overall coordination to enable cross-ministerial collaboration, avoiding siloed ministries. This basic condition is not an excessive political demand. He observed that many parties accept that the first-ranked party should lead government formation and emphasized transparency in coalition negotiations to remain visible to the public.
Besides Mr. Natthapong, the Thailand Vision 2035 forum also featured Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader and prime ministerial candidate of Bhumjaithai Party, and Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, prime ministerial candidate of Pheu Thai Party.
After exchanging views with other candidates at the vision forum, Mr. Natthapong was asked how he felt meeting Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader and prime ministerial candidate of Bhumjaithai Party, for the first time after the MOA. He said, "I feel no different from before. Previously, we worked together in parliament based on agreements acknowledged by the people. Meeting again today doesn't feel different. Regarding other matters, I reaffirm our position that we cannot join a government with the Kla Tham Party, and neither I nor People's Party MPs can vote for Bhumjaithai's candidate." He remains fully confident of gaining more trust from Bangkok residents, aiming to win all 33 constituencies.
When asked about Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen endorsing People's Party and Pheu Thai Party to form government, analyzed as giving Hun Sen leverage to pressure Thailand's new prime minister, Mr. Natthapong said to consider this on two levels. Cambodia knows Thailand's political context well; such statements inevitably affect popularity. The People's Party clearly aims to dismantle scammer networks central to Hun Sen's regime and his affiliates. From another perspective, if they aim to block the orange party from overturning gray deals or prevent People's Party from leading government formation, their past actions clearly show this intent. He urged people to think beyond a single-layer view.
At 17:15. Mr. Rangsiman Rom, People's Party party-list candidate. He posted on Facebook warning not to be fooled by Hun Sen. The Cambodian minister's remarks endorsing People's Party and Pheu Thai Party and opposing Bhumjaithai Party openly interfere in Thailand's internal affairs. This shallow tactic by Cambodia’s government attempts to create a counter-coalition—a cheap political ploy by scammer boss Hun Sen, likely thinking Thai people would easily be deceived.
Mr. Rom added it is ironic that today, the court of his beloved country accepted a criminal case filed by Hun Sen's advisor against him. He reaffirmed that Thai people must not fall into shallow traps designed to create counter-coalitions serving Hun Sen's interests.
"I call on all sides not to use this issue to discredit the People's Party because that would play into Hun Sen's game. It's disappointing that Mr. Anutin chose to use words from a Cambodian minister to ride the wave for votes. As a government leader, he should condemn interference in Thailand's affairs, a serious and unacceptable matter. Instead, he exploits this for electoral gain. The question is: what does this behavior really mean? The prime minister’s duty is to protect the country, but he fails to do so, borrowing enemy words to seek votes. Who is he doing this for?"