Peerapun Saleerutwipak, leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, criticized the government for being able to act from the start but choosing not to. He thanked the positive effects of the debate that helped pressure the government to present border area compensation to the Cabinet.
21 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Peerapun Saleerutwipak, leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (RTSC) commented on reports that the government is preparing to propose compensation for residents along the border to the Cabinet for approval by the Election Commission (EC). This follows ongoing public pressure after a debate held in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, on Sunday, 18 Jan 2026, where government representatives explained that compensation funds could not be disbursed yet due to procedures required after the dissolution of Parliament. They stated that approval from the EC was needed because it involved emergency funds subject to new regulations. Peerapun countered that the government had the authority to proceed even before the dissolution since the public's hardship began earlier. However, government representatives maintained that action was not possible. Peerapun insists his statement at the debate—that action could be taken—is accurate, and that the government's claim it could not act is false.
Peerapun further stated, the government's recent decision to bring this issue to the Cabinet is more a result of social pressure and criticism than genuine intent. The government could have acted earlier but chose not to, causing delays in compensation until now. He congratulated the border communities who will finally receive compensation and thanked the debate platform for serving as a medium to highlight the issue and advocate for the rights of people living along the Thai-Cambodian border, which ultimately led to government consideration. ."