Theng Natthapong believes Dr. Supat had no intent to commit fraud and declines to comment on political games. He calls on Thai people to help monitor the situation and believes People’s Party candidates remain focused. He emphasizes the party’s stance against joining Kla Tham Party and will not vote for Bhumjaithai’s prime ministerial candidate.
On 27 Jan 2026 at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party and its prime ministerial candidate, gave an interview regarding the case of Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, also known as Dr. Supat, a People’s Party candidate for MP in Songkhla and former director of Saba Yoi Hospital, who was dismissed by the Ministry of Public Health’s Civil Service Subcommittee (CSC). He said, Personally, I affirm that political ethical standards are a core principle for the People’s Party, holding higher standards than the law. The party has a strict internal review process. Regarding Dr. Supat’s case, I invite everyone to consider past events. It is clear that Dr. Supat was a leader among rural doctors who helped the public in Bangkok during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Natthapong continued, saying that what happened during procurement inspections shows that field conditions and adherence to government regulations might not have kept pace with the urgent need to assist those affected by COVID-19. It was impossible to predict the exact amount of ATK needed during that crisis. I believe one quality of those volunteering to serve as public representatives is courage—not fearing procurement rules at that critical moment, which otherwise could have obstructed timely assistance to the public.
I want everyone to view this fairly and understand the underlying reasons behind what happened to Dr. Supat. If you believe that his aid during the crisis was right, but regulations allowed for political persecution, then please consider that Dr. Supat used the available channels to provide relief to the public yet was held accountable unfairly.
Regarding speculation that this incident is politically motivated because it occurred during the heated Songkhla election, Mr. Natthapong said that if the investigation results require serious internal action, he will proceed accordingly. He reserves judgment on whether this is a political matter but stresses that exercising authority requires courage. I can speak openly with Dr. Supat because I once worked with rural medical units and helped distribute 5,000 ATKs to people in my area at Wat Muang, Bang Khae District, which significantly helped. Therefore, I am confident that at that time, Dr. Supat and the rural doctors acted with the intent to help the public. Whether there were mistakes or intent to defraud in details, I personally do not believe so. Whether this is political persecution or not, I cannot say yet, but I ask everyone to keep watchful eyes.
When asked how he encourages Dr. Supat, the People’s Party leader said, I personally believe Dr. Supat has not lost focus and has always worked hard. He is still campaigning actively in the area. The party and I understand well, and I call on everyone to observe the remaining procedures. We do not want to see someone determined to serve the public, bravely using their authority within bureaucratic regulations to solve problems, be subjected to political persecution.
Regarding Dr. Supat’s claim that the whole issue is an attempt to block Bhumjaithai Party, the People’s Party leader was asked whether cooperation with Bhumjaithai is still possible. Mr. Natthapong reiterated that the party’s position on government coalition is clear: it cannot join with Kla Tham Party and will not vote for Bhumjaithai’s prime minister candidate. The remaining challenge for the People’s Party is to secure enough votes to form a government and steer coalition partners. Regardless of political color, as long as the public trusts the party sufficiently and its voice is strong, we can reject ministers with questionable backgrounds or remove anyone with such records from office. This will be a sufficiently clear stance.
