Chuwit strikes back at Wiroj, insisting he was not hired by anyone, admits he did talk with Big Joke but did not keep records, shows close chat with Big Dang, having known him for 30 years without ever discussing politics, and peels a Som orange saying it is still not sweet yet.,
On 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Chuwit Kamolvisit, former politician, held a press conference responding to Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, deputy leader of the People’s Party. Before the event, Chuwit’s team arranged five oranges, an incense pot, a rice porridge bag, and a sign reading “Complete People’s Movement” as part of the setup. Chuwit and his team wore shirts with “Complete People’s Movement” badges on their chests.
Chuwit explained the public’s question about why he returned to political activism during the election period, addressing academics of the “Orange Party” who study theory but lack practical political experience. He noted that new parties claiming to differ from old ones but still using quota systems and old political methods justify his right as a citizen to voice opinions.
He stated he has supported the Orange Party since 2019 until 2023, having fought politically against the Bhumjaithai Party over the Khao Kradong issue alone, leading to over seven civil and criminal lawsuits, all of which courts dismissed. He affirmed his actions were sincere and denied allegations of being politically hired, emphasizing he has always defended himself without outside help.
Chuwit described his 2023 illness as severe, with doctors fearing he might not survive, and that he had even visited a cemetery. After recovery, as the election approached, he saw it as communication with the public and declared since the day the party numbers were assigned that he would provide lessons or “discipline” to the People’s Party, which he had voted for before. He expressed love for all leaders without favoritism, stating that if he did not love them, he would not vote for them, and reaffirmed his identity as a “Complete People’s Movement” member who understands politics and believes citizens must be smart and aware of politicians.
Regarding allegations that the People’s Party secretly made deals with Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, former deputy national police chief, to secure 10 southern seats and a deputy prime minister role overseeing the police, Chuwit said political position bargaining is not shameful or wrong. He invited any party to sue him, noting he has faced many lawsuits and is ready to fight through the justice system.
He described the matter concerning Pol. Gen. Surachate as straightforward, emphasizing principles of “no gray, only black and white.” He referred to Surachate’s earlier sharing of information about “elephant tickets” with activist Rangsit Rom during his student activism that led to parliamentary debates. Chuwit welcomed this, stating it is not unusual for police officials to gain political benefits. However, now that the People’s Party treats Surachate this way, the only exception is that Big Joke is currently considered unpleasant.
Chuwit said supporting new political parties is positive, and he is only one mechanism. The key figure is Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, party leader, whose personality has evolved with his political role. He warned that politics can change people, citing Thanathorn’s solo meetings with prominent politicians like Thaksin Shinawatra or Anutin Charnvirakul regarding the MOA issue, without other leaders involved or aware of candidate list creation or technocrat recruitment.
He mentioned private talks with Pol. Gen. Surachate with no recordings, seeing no harm since the People’s Party aims to tackle gray capital, and Surachate, as former deputy police chief, holds valuable information. Surachate reportedly implied willingness to support police if helped secure parliamentary seats but did not specify a deputy prime minister position.
Chuwit affirmed the People’s Party understands Surachate holds extensive information on “elephant tickets” and scammers. He stressed this case is not damaging, even though he lacks documents or “receipts” as evidence, because he never records conversations. Therefore, if Wiroj demands proof, he does not have any.
He stated his love for the People’s Party but disagrees with using votes to support Anutin Charnvirakul, viewing it as a power and political game matter.
Chuwit showed LINE chat messages with Gen. Apirat Kongsompong (“Big Dang”), former army chief, before the media, confirming a friendship spanning over 30 years, starting abroad, with mutual familiarity, socializing, and conversations. He clarified this does not imply shared political ideology or influence over each other’s views. He emphasized the chats were from 2023 and unrelated to politics, noting he also supported Pita Limjaroenrat that year without Big Dang’s objection.
Chuwit said friendship transcends politics, and attempts to link him to Gen. Apirat reflect old political thinking. He stressed he has no team, only himself, and that writing articles or expressing opinions on Facebook is everyone’s right.
Since 2025, Chuwit observed political irregularities and could assess voting trends, noting this time is different from before. He confirmed mentioning Pol. Gen. Surachate without documentary proof is not a personal attack but relates to internal gray areas in the People’s Party, which admits to receiving some information from Surachate.
He explained his intention to “discipline” the People’s Party to awaken citizens from complacency and understand political realities. He emphasized that amending the constitution alone will not enrich citizens if power structures remain unchanged, noting political change requires time and cannot happen quickly.
Finally, Chuwit raised an orange during the press conference, saying he is not against the People’s Party long-term and will not seek revenge after the election. If they form government, they are like an unripe orange needing time to learn and grow. He stressed his activism aims to educate the public, not be a political enemy, and believes there is still future opportunity.
Chuwit described his feelings toward the People’s Party as “love so much it leads to deep frustration,” clarifying this is not personal resentment but disappointment that the party fails to recognize political games, is disheartened by negotiations and decisions that turned a “dwarf giant” into a “big giant” and political rival. However, he sees this as beneficial long-term, sharpening the party and preventing repeated mistakes. Even with many votes, the party cannot grow as expected. He predicts they will win only 90-100 seats, considering over 120 seats very good, and invites the public to wait until the 8 Feb election.
Chuwit peeled an orange, ate a segment, and said the orange is still not sweet and needs more ripening. He remarked it must be taken slow, then tried another bite, noting it was still sour and wondered if it was a fake Chinese orange.