Thammanat opens up after becoming the new leader of the Kla Tham Party, confident that with more than 28 days, the party can secure over 100 MPs. He insists he is not a faction driven by revenge or waiting, but a dignified politician committed to fully advancing the opposition.
At 16:00 on 28 Apr 2026 GMT+7 Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat Prompao, leader of the Kla Tham Party, said on stage at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel in Bangkok, after being appointed the new party leader, that today’s change in party leadership is truly significant. Mrs. Naruemon Phinyosinwat has served as party leader for over two years and used to complain almost daily about when Lieutenant Colonel would take over. Now is the time to sit here and lead the Kla Tham Party in its role as MPs or as a political institution representing hope for the Thai people.
He congratulated the 21 executive committee members, each coming from different regions and having been officially approved by the Election Commission (EC). Those not selected should not be disappointed because they remain part of one family. In this family, there are no masters or servants, only siblings. Before deciding, he insisted there was no dictatorship or unilateral decision-making. He affirmed that this leadership change does not mean Mrs. Naruemon or the former committee members were inadequate.
“The last election proved that Kla Tham Party has been battered like a young woman facing many attacks in various issues. Yet ultimately, our party grew, winning 56 constituency seats. Looking back, we didn’t just topple a giant party but something bigger than an elephant or whale. If it were my son, I'd say we defeated the Kraken, a giant squid. Digging deeper, there were 45 candidates who narrowly lost by hundreds of votes. Given more than 28 days, we could have won 100 seats. Going further to the third tier, about 30 candidates lost by tens of thousands of votes, totaling over 130 people. We might have grown too fast and fearfully, but the election is over now.”
Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat added that he is proud to serve as opposition, whether through discussions, questions, or debates. The party has new MPs who could be rising stars in parliament, speaking with principles and timing. Though he served in the administration from 2019 until early 2026 and may not be used to opposition roles, a politician must be skilled in all areas. He has his own principles.
After confirming their opposition status, they will scrutinize the government’s work and civil servants. In today’s situation, it is clear how the country and economy stand, and how the people suffer. The party will suggest what the government should or should not do, and if those suggestions are ignored, it will lead to no-confidence debates or government oversight. That is their duty.
“We will not pursue personal vendettas or grudges based on past relationships or lack of cooperation as conditions for opposition work. We serve as opposition, not as a revenge faction. Some academics have called us a waiting faction, but that is untrue. We have the dignity of politicians. Especially me, I did not come into politics for power but grew up among comrades and friends helping one another. Now we will perform our opposition role to the best of our ability.”
The Kla Tham Party leader further revealed that natural disasters, human threats, and economic problems are frightening. The greatest danger is not war but mismanagement of the country. As opposition, they do not focus on personal grudges but care deeply about the public’s hardships. With a poor economy and domestic conflicts amid global tensions, the situation could become chaotic.
At the end, Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat expressed a desire for unity and cooperation. He pledged never to disappoint anyone and to fight fully when challenged. He believes no politician is as passionate as he is when seeing his team fight. Win or lose, they remain siblings without blame or anger, still one family. Today, he urged the new executive committee to perform well, worthy of the voters’ trust. From now on, the Kla Tham Party will move forward. Over the past weekend, he received calls from members of other parties wanting to join the Kla Tham family. He reaffirmed his commitment to lead the party to its goals, maximize MPs, and best serve the people, calling on everyone to unite.
Following this, Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat and party leaders led MPs and members in a group photo. Before the meeting, a group of elderly supporters came to present flowers, offer congratulations, and show support, performing a traditional Northern Thai water-pouring ceremony to mark the Thai New Year.
Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat thanked them, saying that what the elders have done for him and the Kla Tham Party has enabled them to hold 58 parliamentary seats. These are voices from people who love, respect, honor, and sincerely support one another. Wherever they campaign, the elders accompany them behind the scenes, reflecting a strong bond and goodwill. Even today, at the party’s annual general meeting, they took the opportunity to offer Thai New Year blessings, an important tradition throughout Thailand. It is a beautiful custom to be preserved, a mutual apology and blessing through the water-pouring ceremony called “Sooma Karwa” in the Northern dialect.
Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat added that through this water-pouring blessing, he wishes everyone present happiness, which is the most important thing despite any hardships or debts. They support each other regardless of status. Next, he wished everyone good health and happiness for their families and descendants, peace of mind, good luck, protection from merit and angels, and a prosperous New Year. Afterwards, the elderly group took photos with him and blessed him to become prime minister.