Trat MP from Bhumjaithai criticized the People's MP, saying an apology is not enough regarding allegations linking village headmen and community leaders to drug-related activities. He stated that as an MP, one must understand the responsibility involved after damaging the morale of field workers who carry out duties.
On 4 May 2026, Pichanont Ingprasarn, MP for Trat from the Bhumjaithai Party, commented on the case involving Phandit Nuaumjeum, Bangkok MP from the People's Party, who during the parliamentary session on 30 April implied that the network of village headmen and community leaders was involved with drugs. Pichanont, who previously served as village headman of Bo Ploy Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province, and as vice president of the Trat Provincial Village Headmen Association, said he felt uneasy hearing those remarks. Village headmen, local doctors, and assistant village inspectors contacted him, expressing that such debate harmed their morale. The village headmen organization is a major and fundamental body for driving the country forward, working around the clock without days off, carrying out tasks for all ministries, departments, and agencies. They receive no salary, only allowances, and regularly undergo drug tests during monthly district chief meetings.
Moreover, village headmen and community leaders are responsible for alleviating citizens' hardships and well-being, as well as preventing and suppressing drug issues. During his tenure as village headman, Pichanont led drug suppression efforts, including arrests of drug traffickers in the area. Thus, these allegations deeply affect the village headmen community, who all seek encouragement in their work. He understands well the feelings of village headmen, local doctors, and assistant inspectors because of his own experience as a village headman with subordinates. They are true warriors, and the institution of village headmen was established by King Rama V.
When asked about calls for accountability, Pichanont said the People's Party, as the party of the MP who made the remarks, should implement measures to take responsibility for this matter. Additionally, the MP who made the speech must also be held accountable.
Asked whether the People's Party's statement was sufficient, Pichanont replied that if he were a village headman or community leader, he would find it inadequate. Now that they are MPs, before making any statements that might impact any organization, including village headmen, military, or even MPs themselves, one must carefully consider the words spoken because words carry authority.
"As an MP, one should be fully aware of how to take responsibility. Personally, if I said something that caused such mistakes and damaged morale, I know well how to be accountable. We must understand the feelings of village headmen and community leaders, which I do well. During clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, anyone not working to protect the home front wouldn't know how exhausting it is for village headmen. The allowances they receive barely cover their living expenses, but they have honor and dignity," he said. Pichanont concluded.