Theng criticizes 12 years of coup rule, stating that the seizure of power from the people continues intensely and covertly under the "Blue Regime".
On 22 May 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, posted on Facebook that today marks 12 years since the last successful military coup. Although tanks are no longer seen on the streets, the process of seizing power from the people continues daily. Over 200 cases have been filed to silence the public, at least 74 peaceful protests have been suppressed, and seven major political parties have been dissolved.
This evidence shows that the power grab from the people in this era has not lessened but has intensified and become more subtle. Thai political society remains under the “Blue Regime,” which originated from the 2017 Constitution—a legacy of the coup—and this regime is eroding Thailand’s future.
Mr. Nattapong added that under the “Blue Regime,” political institutions and legal systems have been restructured to ensure that elite power, disconnected from the people, prevails. This prioritizes elite interests over those of the majority, allowing a small elite group to determine the country's future. Anyone daring to challenge their authority or interests faces obstruction, isolation, or destruction through mechanisms like the Constitutional Court, independent agencies, the Senate, or the justice system. These bodies no longer protect democracy but instead undermine its core principles.
Mr. Nattapong stated that those in power within the “Blue Regime” aim to monopolize the country politically and economically. They do so by appointing the Constitutional Court, independent agencies, military and police leaders, judges, and civil servants, while supporting business groups that uphold the “Blue Regime.” This is done through favoritism, budget spending benefiting cronies, and shifting burdens onto the public.
Politics under this regime lacks genuine will and capacity to meet the people's needs. Structural reforms stall, the justice system lacks credibility, education and human development lag behind, monopolies dominate big business, and corruption and inequality increase annually.
Although they now control nearly all state power and political institutions, that is their arena. Our arena is one of hope and winning public support, where no one monopolizes the rules, because no regime can stop the people's desire for a better future.
In closing, Mr. Nattapong called for unity in building "people's power" to lead Thai society out of the "Blue Regime." The first step is a new constitution truly connected to the people. He urged everyone to show their strength to demand a democratic constitution, a country owned by the people, a society of equality, and a future for all children and citizens.