Yutthana Sritabut, secretary and spokesperson of the Palang Pracharath Party, confirmed that the party will not field a candidate for Bangkok governor, paving the way for Mom Luang Korakrit Kasemsri to run as an independent. They are awaiting the government whip's decision to appoint Trinuch Thienthong to a parliamentary committee.
On 1 May 2026, Yutthana Sritabut, MP for Nong Khai and secretary and spokesperson of the Palang Pracharath Party, addressed the issue of the coalition government in which the party holds no ministerial positions nor chairmanships of parliamentary committees. He said that as a former coalition party in the previous government, it is customary to support the government, and they have followed the public's will by supporting the Bhumjaithai Party as the main party and choosing Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister. Political positions will develop in due course. The Palang Pracharath Party accepts this situation and believes it has fulfilled its role in supporting Bhumjaithai in principle.
Regarding work in parliamentary committees, Trinuch Thienthong, MP for Sa Kaeo and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, was the last to express interest. According to tradition, committee assignments depend on each person's strengths. The allocation will be discussed again in the government whip's meeting. The party has been allocated one position in the government whip and has already submitted a name. The allocation process takes time, especially since some committees have up to 70 nominees. The government whip's meeting is expected to convene next week to discuss and adjust committee assignments.
Asked whether the party will nominate a candidate for Bangkok governor, Yutthana acknowledged that party member Mom Luang Korakrit Kasemsri, deputy party leader, has shown interest. However, after discussions with the party leader, it is clear the party will not nominate a candidate due to territorial limitations, having just gone through a major election, and focusing now on strengthening the party. Thus, the decision not to field a candidate is quite clear.
Following a discussion with Mom Luang Korakrit around noon on 30 April, it appears he may run as an independent. He will need to talk with various parties and confirm the outcome of negotiations, which are not yet finalized as far as is known.
Regarding whether the Palang Pracharath Party will contest the next election, Yutthana said the party remains committed to its founding principles and will continue its political activities steadily, as there are still over three years left in the political term.
"The political lifespan of the party leader and MPs is still sufficient to continue working in politics."