Thammanat revealed that the Kla Tham party has decided to abstain from voting for the prime minister and strictly forbids any breaking of ranks. He instructed MPs that every week they must debate public issues in their local areas and avoid discussing personal matters.
At 09:50 on 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at meeting room 202 of the Parliament building, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, serving as a party-list MP and chairman advisor of the Kla Tham party (KTH), together with Ms. Narumon Phinyosinwat, party-list MP and party leader, held a meeting with party MPs before attending the House of Representatives session to determine the party's direction on the prime minister appointment vote.
Lt. Col. Thammanat said during the meeting that their party operates like a family, with brotherly unity. For any vote, they require unanimous agreement based on the decision of all 58 MPs together, deciding collectively on the direction to take. He emphasized that they must move in the same direction with no breaking ranks. If any dissent arises, it should occur within this meeting room, debating internally. Once the majority decision is reached with sound reasoning, all must vote accordingly. This is the party's principle.
Thammanat added that currently they serve as the opposition in parliament and urged them to be genuinely constructive. Any issues raised in parliament should benefit the people in their constituencies and the nation. MPs are encouraged to speak freely without hesitation, but they should avoid personal topics as these do not bring benefit. He does not want the political atmosphere to become petty or unprincipled. Therefore, he reiterated that in every parliamentary session, their MPs must perform as representatives of the people. They will provide backup for motions to ensure speeches are principled and well-informed, giving complete information. Speaking without principles or data is absolutely unacceptable.
When a reporter asked if he would vote for his friend, Thammanat replied that he must first hold a meeting and listen to the other 57 voices, as everyone’s vote carries equal weight.
After the meeting, Thammanat disclosed that the Kla Tham party unanimously resolved to abstain from voting and that there was no debate or disagreement within the party meeting.