Nattapong wiped away tears on screen, saddened by the election results where 69 MP friends were defeated en masse. He vowed to keep fighting, analyze lessons learned, and build a stronger grassroots network. He acknowledged that the PChon party has already planned to resolve the issue involving the former 44 MPs.
On 10 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the PChon party, spoke on the program “Kamkon Khao Khuynokcho,” hosted by Mr. Sorayuth Suthassanachinda, about the election held on 8 Feb. He said the party had communicated its message fully, encouraging people to change politics away from quota systems where some own parties and big capital control everything. However, the party admitted it could not compete strategically and will work on improving this.
The PChon leader commented on the nationalist wave, admitting it played a role. He observed that while the party promoted a big-picture ideology, local politics was not handled well enough by grassroots workers. He recognized the challenge and stressed the need to build networks and strategies to win individual constituencies. Having been a constituency MP himself, he acknowledged the importance of attending funerals and ceremonies to listen and support locals.
Regarding the rushed candidate selection in constituencies, Nattapong said this is a lesson PChon must learn. He assured that for the next election, the party will try to finalize candidates earlier to work longer in constituencies. Previously, the party aimed to keep balance by being open and not closing doors to new faces.
When asked about election results where the party lost entire provinces it once held, and was defeated in some, Nattapong said it needs to be examined by constituency. Some areas, like the 4th constituency of Rayong where candidate Mr. Chutipong Phiphopinyo ran, saw a real decrease in votes, but this must be balanced against overall voter turnout dropping significantly. As party leader, he does not believe the decline was due to poor work by incumbent MPs, who worked hard. Other factors and competitors influenced results. He awaits 100% final results and is ready to accept all facts.
Asked if the party cannot compete against Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, former Future Forward Party leader, and Pita Limjaroenrat, former Move Forward Party leader, Nattapong said he can compete in his own way. He acknowledged others might think differently and thanked everyone for their support. He said party colleagues emphasize teamwork and the results are not due to him alone. He messaged former incumbent MPs who lost, feeling sorrowful imagining not seeing them again in parliament. His voice trembled as he wondered if he bore some responsibility as party leader, but they assured him it was not his fault, and he apologized if anyone felt that way.
"But this is not the time for a party leader to resign or cause instability inside the party. My duty now is to keep the party moving forward steadily. In the future, if someone is more ready or better than me, I have no objection," said Nattapong.
Reporters noted that after answering these questions, Nattapong bowed his head and wiped away tears.
"Teng" revealed plans to handle the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigation into the former 44 MPs.
Nattapong also addressed the issue of the NACC unanimously deciding there is serious ethical misconduct against the former 44 Move Forward MPs for co-signing and submitting a draft amendment to the Criminal Code Section 112. The case has been sent to the Supreme Court to consider within 30 days. If the court orders suspension from duty, he was asked how they would respond. He said that the remaining MPs, besides himself, do not need to resign because as opposition party members it would not significantly affect their duties. For himself, the decision to resign or not affects the position of opposition leader. The party is still discussing internally and has no conclusion yet.
Nattapong said if he does not resign, the opposition leader position will be deadlocked because the constitution requires the leader to be the head of the largest opposition party. If suspended, he would lose the position, affecting whip appointments and the selection of independent organization representatives. The party needs to discuss again and weigh how long the Supreme Court might take to decide.
Asked if he might remain an MP but resign as party leader to allow someone else to become opposition leader, he said it's possible but not finalized. He wants to complete internal discussions first. He did not want to name names to avoid favoritism but noted several capable people among party list and constituency MPs, mentioning "Ice" Mr. Parit Watcharasin, who may meet age requirements before the court’s decision. He emphasized considering all factors and vowed to fight legally, hoping the Supreme Court will not suspend them so they can continue working.
Asked if the party would lose key debaters and watchdog members if suspensions occur, Nattapong said many remain and opposition work is not limited to parliament. Even if convicted, they can still serve as advisors to parliamentary committees.
When asked if the confirmed resignation of party secretary Mr. Sarayut Jailek means Nattapong might become party secretary, he said he is not attached to any position and decisions will be made collectively within the party.
Regarding whether the NACC decision is a major storm, Nattapong said they expected a big storm of this scale and have prepared fully to handle it.