"Teng Natthapong" rebutted "Piyabutr," affirming the Prachachon Party is free from shadow control. Fellow MPs joined with genuine ideology, not merely seeking parliamentary entry. The party has the least bureaucratic system and bases decisions on input from all party sectors.
At 14:00 on 21 April 2026, at the Future Forward building, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, spoke about the case involving 44 former Move Forward MPs. He said regarding legal tactics, on 22 April they will hold a detailed press conference led by himself. However, for the other 10 MPs possibly involved in the case, he asked the public to wait for further statements, which will be at the discretion of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Personally, he sees that the case of Mr. Saksayam Chidchob has turned out differently, even though the financial trail clearly indicates irregularities, while their own case, involving the legitimate exercise of legislative power, is being handled differently.
Although many view the current government as stable, he personally believes that the proper use of power is what people expect. Distorting legal mechanisms and independent organizations to protect allies and harm opponents ultimately undermines the government itself.
Mr. Natthapong stated that their role is to show the public that what is happening is highly abnormal. He views the government and the Bhumjaithai Party as just the tip of the iceberg in the current political system, supported by other entities such as independent organizations and powerful groups in the country. The resulting harm to the nation stems from vested interests in all matters—from borrowing money for spending to legal prosecutions—benefiting elites while those acting correctly gain nothing.
What the Prachachon Party does is to recognize, and make others see, that they must oppose a political system that is not owned by the majority of the people, in order to jointly create future change.
Regarding Mr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the Progressive Movement, who commented that the Prachachon Party fights too little ideologically, Mr. Natthapong said he respects Piyabutr’s opinion. Public critique and ideological guidance are core responsibilities of the Prachachon Party as an alternative party that empowers the people. Intellectuals and academics share the duty to guide society.
As for Piyabutr’s remark that when founding the Prachachon Party, the intention was to use it as a vehicle for change, but now some use it merely to become MPs, Mr. Natthapong said he still trusts all members and MPs to have come with sincere ideology wanting to do politics for the party. They are ready to accept problems and believe the recruitment process will improve daily. They aim to do better in the future. The party has the least bureaucracy and the most open forums for exchanging views, affirming that all major party decisions have been made by listening to every party component.
Mr. Natthapong emphasized that as party leader, if anything needs strengthening, it is the leaders’ duty to make it happen. The main challenge now is to show they are an important choice, though not the only one, to avoid belittling other political parties.
They aim to be a significant option that shows the public a way out for the country, especially under the current government that wields absolute power, favors allies, and seeks to destroy opponents. The public has never received justice, making the situation clearer. If the government continues this way, it will destroy itself.
Regarding Piyabutr’s public statements, it shows that claims of a shadow leadership in the Prachachon Party are untrue. Mr. Natthapong has had opportunities to talk with Piyabutr as an ideological friend, but decisions rest with the current party executive committee. He affirmed that the party has never changed its stance.
They want to build politics owned by the people, with mass participation, adhering to the saying ‘the party is bigger than the individual; the people are bigger than the party.’ Ideological guidance and protests of ideas are key reasons why he entered politics today.
More importantly, they seek to realize those ideals. He has continually visited supporters who want to collaborate with the party beyond just voting every four years. Many are frustrated with the political system and call for the Prachachon Party to provide space for undertaking missions together to create change.
“If anyone says to stop believing in the volunteer system, I would have to resign from politics because I entered politics as a volunteer. Therefore, I still believe that the volunteer system exists in every constituency, and a strong organizational system supported by funding mechanisms will be vital in making idealistic politics a reality.”