The Prachachon Party is preparing to resolve the issue of the orange snake defector. Theng Natthapong vows to impose the severest punishment that such a defector deserves, based on their actions, within the party.
At 1:00 p.m. on 22 March 2026 at the Prachachon Party office, Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, party leader, addressed the case of MP Suriya Wongaree from Udonthani, who voted to support Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister. He said, as part of the management team, they have spoken with party executives and will soon communicate with all MPs and party members to explain what happened and ensure everyone has the same information. He affirmed the party’s readiness to impose strict punishment, stating that the defector MP will receive the harshest penalty for their actions. However, the exact form of punishment will be discussed at the MPs’ meeting, emphasizing that vote-buying is unacceptable.
Affirming that the severest punishment is necessary.
Natthapong said that regarding whether the party knew beforehand if the MP bought votes, he believed this might be a misunderstanding or a rumor. The party has a system for gathering opinions through the nomination committee, which is currently investigating the background of the MP’s selection process from start to finish, including public consultations. Upon reviewing the past, there were no complaints about MP Suriya. Some party representatives may have heard rumors about prior knowledge, but if so, why was the MP allowed to run again? He clarified that some of these might be misunderstandings and called for clarity on the facts. He reiterated that the punishment will be as severe as is appropriate for a defector.
Regarding his earlier assurance that no defectors would emerge during the prime ministerial vote, he said that before the vote, he believed no defection would occur because the current majority government is stable and there is no need for it. However, what happened undermines that expectation. He questioned the motives behind such actions. He stated that his earlier assurance was based on trust in his fellow MPs; if they were not defectors, then as leader, he would be the one undermining trust among colleagues.
Highlighting constitutional reform as the solution to the defector issue.
Natthapong also said that solving the defector problem requires fixing the political system. If the constitution is still flawed, allowing elected officials to sell themselves to other parties for money, such incidents could happen not only to the Prachachon Party but to others as well. He believes defectors will not disappear from Thai politics unless party-level scrutiny is intensified and constitutional and political rules are reformed. He hopes the new government will push for constitutional amendments reflecting the people's will and will not dominate independent agencies or political mechanisms for their own benefit.