List MPs are gradually receiving their certificates at the Election Commission (EC). Rachen, leader of the New Alternative Party, has already collected his before reporting to parliament. He reaffirmed joining the Bhumjaithai-led government and denied any personal conflict with Mongkolkit. Meanwhile, Thammanat and Narumon sent representatives to collect their certificates.
5 Mar 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Rachen Trakulwiang, leader of the New Alternative Party he revealed after receiving his Member of Parliament (MP) certificate at the Election Commission (EC) office that he will next report to the House of Representatives following parliamentary procedures, adding he thanked the public for awarding the New Alternative Party over 170,000 votes, which earned the party one list MP seat. He confirmed he will push key party policies by coordinating with the government and MPs from other parties to promote proposals previously presented to the public, including the Homeowner Fund, honor allowance, and increased elderly pension.
Regarding political stance, Mr. Rachen acknowledged that Bhumjaithai had invited the New Alternative Party to join the government and they had held a joint press conference at Bhumjaithai’s office. He noted that senior leaders of Bhumjaithai value the New Alternative Party’s voice, even if it is just one seat, allowing them to attend party meetings like Bhumjaithai MPs.
As for positions or political quotas, no official discussions or conclusions have been made yet, but Bhumjaithai’s senior leaders indicated they will support committee positions to enable full parliamentary work. Mr. Rachen also revealed a personal interest in serving on the military committee to monitor security budget issues and military matters such as the Preah Vihear Temple case, which he has previously followed, as well as to promote the honor allowance policy related to security personnel.
Regarding the internal party controversy about Mr. Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, Mr. Rachen confirmed there is no personal conflict. Previously, Mongkolkit sent messages wishing him success. The decision to suspend Mongkolkit from the secretary-general position was a resolution by the party’s executive committee to maintain political decorum after the party agreed to join the government, while Mongkolkit held differing views.
Mr. Rachen also stated that there are two key issues: comments regarding election vote counting that could affect the process, and a perceived aggressive stance toward Mr. Saowang Bunmee, secretary-general of the EC. The party viewed these as potentially damaging to its image and political work, leading to a temporary suspension decision. He emphasized that some of Mongkolkit’s ideas, such as policies mentioned in the media, are not the party’s official platforms submitted to the EC but merely his personal views.
Regarding the perception that the party’s votes mainly come from Mongkolkit, Mr. Rachen acknowledged this partly but stressed the party has its own voter base, citing growth from 29,607 votes and 14,000 members in 2019 to over 79,000 votes and 34,000 members in 2023, culminating in over 170,000 votes in the recent election. Some votes shifted, for example, when Mongkolkit joined, all seven Bangkok candidates withdrew.
Mr. Rachen added that the party’s success is not due to any individual but the collective work of the executive committee, members, and nationwide teams. He reiterated respect for Mongkolkit as a capable person who simply holds different political views.
Reporters at the EC observed that today is the first day list MPs, whose results have been announced totaling 100 seats, come to receive certificates from 08:30 to 16:30 at the EC's second-floor reception room. Throughout the morning, many MPs arrived early, some before the document room opened. Initial recipients include list MPs from the Democrat Party with 11 representatives (complete), representatives for Mr. Suchart Tanjaroen from the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Boonruwee Yomjinda, leader of the Ruamjai Thai Party, Mr. Apiwit Thiprat from Ruamphalang Prachachon Party, Mr. Pongtawat Techadetruangkul and Mr. Achinathirat Chattaweevorachai from Pheu Chart Thai Party, Mr. Suratin Pichon, leader of the New Democracy Party, Ms. Nawinda Sawatdechdee from the New Party, and representatives from the Kla Tham Party collecting on behalf of Colonel Thammanat Prompao, party advisor, and Ms. Narumon Pinyosinwat, party leader. Meanwhile, constituency MPs continue to receive their certificates gradually.