“Theng Natthapong” led People’s Party MPs to report to the House of Representatives, accepted the election results, committed to serving as the opposition, welcomed cooperation with the Kla Tham and Democrat parties, expressed no worries about the case involving 44 MPs, and said plans to handle it are already prepared.
At 10:10 a.m. on 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the People’s Party, led by Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, a party-list MP and party leader, brought 119 MPs to report to the House of Representatives. They arrived by three buses, wearing white T-shirts printed with the word “People” and wore suits with party logo pins. Supporters and fans awaited them, offering orange flowers as encouragement.
Reporters added that the People’s Party has a total of 120 MPs. Last week, Suriya Wongaree, MP for Udon Thani constituency 7, had already reported in because he could not attend today.
After leading 118 People’s Party MPs to report as members of the 27th House of Representatives, Natthapong said the party members arrived together and are ready to fully perform their duties as representatives. A party MPs’ meeting will be held this afternoon to prepare for parliamentary work.
The party plans to immediately propose several laws once the House Speaker is elected, including economic laws, anti-corruption measures, budget system reforms, and strengthening oversight mechanisms such as establishing a parliamentary budget office. Other bills cover environmental protection, civil liberties, and electricity cost reduction through energy liberalization.
Regarding opposition cooperation with the Kla Tham and Democrat parties, Natthapong said this is a normal parliamentary mechanism. Parties not in government act as opposition together. The opposition whip process follows established procedures. The People’s Party is ready to work with all sides, even amid differing views, to jointly monitor the government.
However, at the leadership level, the Kla Tham party has not yet held formal talks, though discussions may have occurred among members.
Natthapong also addressed the opposition leader position, calling it important and saying the party is ready to fulfill the role fully. Regarding the case against 44 MPs, the party is not worried but remains cautious. He affirmed that proposing bills is an MP’s duty and should not lead to legal action.
The party has prepared contingency plans in case the court orders some MPs suspended, to prevent parliamentary work disruption. However, replacement MPs’ names will be decided internally by party processes, discussed at an MPs’ meeting. If related to party leadership, it requires a party meeting resolution, expected in April.
When asked about the reporting date coinciding with the deadline for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to file a case with the Supreme Court, Natthapong said it was coincidental and not intentionally chosen. They awaited the Election Commission’s full certification of election results, especially the party-list approved just last week.
Regarding the Election Commission’s review of the election in Suphanburi’s constituency 2, which may extend to other districts, Natthapong said they must wait for the process. If irregularities are found, they are ready to act. The party’s legal team has already gathered substantial evidence.
Asked about possible public confusion since the party previously questioned election transparency but still brought MPs to report, Natthapong emphasized the party’s desire for transparent and fair elections. They also accept the results and are ready to serve as representatives, continuing to investigate election irregularities in parallel.
Regarding voting for the House Speaker and deputy speakers, Natthapong said the party will discuss this at the MPs’ meeting. He reaffirmed the People’s Party will act as a strong opposition. The opposition leader role is important and cannot be held simultaneously with speaker or deputy speaker positions. However, nominations to express visions in parliament are not blocked, with clarity expected before the first parliamentary session.
Additionally, Natthapong clarified that the previously reported MP from Udon Thani constituency 7 was nearly all present today except Taepiphop Limjitkorn, who had prior commitments and will report tomorrow. Although Suriya had reported earlier, he joined the group again today, affirming no internal party divisions.
Finally, Natthapong urged the Election Commission to expedite investigating election complaints, especially to identify those behind corruption, not just local operatives.