Siripong Angkasankulkiat fiercely condemned as "disgusting" the academics criticizing the Angkasankulkiat family for accepting government contracts allegedly linked to corruption. He explained that Thai Charoen Sisaket Partnership has been in business since he was in first grade and stressed that family ties cannot be severed. He added that some people with the same surname can still be in opposition to the government. He is preparing to take legal action.
On 9 March 2026, Siripong Angkasankulkiat, Member of Parliament for Sisaket and former spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, clarified the case where academics revealed that members of the Angkasankulkiat family receiving government contracts might involve corruption. He stated that politicians are public figures subject to scrutiny and are open to investigation. However, he urged academics to apply principles without bias and to avoid using prejudiced information in their opinions and analyses.
He explained that Thai Charoen Sisaket Partnership has been operating since 1981, when he was likely just in first grade. The partnership has been a first-tier business for 10 years. Receiving government contracts as a contractor should not be considered unusual.
Regarding family ties or sharing the same surname, he said these cannot be completely severed. He considers the relatives as respected elders whom he meets during important festivals, although both families have gone their separate ways in their livelihoods.
When he entered politics, telling his relatives to stop their business activities was not appropriate. It would be easier if they told him to quit politics since they are wealthy businessmen.
Siripong added that accusing him of wrongdoing simply because of family ties is unfair. In politics, it is common for one person to be in the opposition and another in the government. Moreover, some relatives of the academics who made the accusations are also involved in legal cases.
He firmly denied the allegations as completely untrue and urged critics to use unbiased and complete information. He said it is wrong for academics to offer opinions based only on headlines without details.
Regarding possible legal action, he said they would first review the issues, such as vague allegations of corruption, and consult legal experts on how to proceed. He emphasized that political scrutiny is appropriate and helpful, but baseless accusations causing misunderstandings are "disgusting" behavior.
When asked if he viewed this as a smear campaign, Siripong said multiple factors may be involved. He said he will clarify what he can but will take action against distortions that damage his reputation. He considers such smear attempts common in politics, where one faces accusations of wrongdoing for things never done.
Regarding academics attacking rival parties during government formation, Siripong said it should now be clear which parties have formed the government and which are in opposition. After the public decision, there will be four years under legal conditions to let the government work. He criticized discrediting efforts before the government even starts as old-fashioned politics, not creative or new politics, and said this likely does not reflect the approach of the current opposition parties.