"Teng" refuses to promise an apology to senators over accusations related to the 'blue regime,' affirming he did not seek to undermine the Senate. He states his intention was merely to strengthen Parliament's connection to the people and to address root problems by drafting a new constitution. He views the Bhumjaithai Party as merely an agent of that regime.,
At 10:00 a.m. on 25 May 2026 at Parliament, Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the Prachachon Party (PCN), spoke after a Shadow Cabinet meeting regarding the Senate's collective statement scheduled in response to allegations branding it the 'blue regime,' with a three-day timeline set for an apology. He said that due to the complexity of the press statements, he had not yet reviewed the details and wished to examine them first. He expressed no objection to making a statement but suggested examining those making the statements, their involvement in the final Senate selection round, whether there was any group affiliation or transportation used. Checking the list of names would clarify the purpose and intent behind the statements.
The Prachachon Party leader asserted that their goal is to make Parliament most closely connected to the people. The posts did not single out any individual but raised observations shared by public suspicion. He reaffirmed the pure intent to enhance Parliament's link with citizens and urged senators that if they perceive problems with Senate selection not reflecting public interests, then the duty is to address the regime by drafting a new constitution. They have already announced three key principles, aiming for a new constitution connected to the people that does not increase privileges for any Senate group. He invited senators to agree with these three principles of the Prachachon Party.
When asked whether senators insist on keeping the principle of one-third Senate votes for approval and might reject the draft if the Prachachon Party's suggestions are not adopted, Mr. Natthapong said political parties and the Senate have the right to propose their own drafts or processes for the new constitution. However, the final method must go through Parliament’s first reading and then be amended during the second reading committee stage, where all drafts will be debated. If consensus is reached in committee, he hopes senators will accept it. This would demonstrate sincerity, showing that all senators are open and do not seek to maintain their power or privileges in the constitution drafting process.
When asked if the Prachachon Party evaluated the pros and cons of issuing a statement on 22 May, given that passing Section 256 requires one-third Senate approval and that senators viewed the statement as undermining the Senate, possibly affecting their support, Mr. Natthapong affirmed they did not intend to undermine the Senate. The party’s three principles for constitutional reform emphasize not increasing Senate privileges, since the new constitution drafting is not an amendment of the old one. The drafting process should equally empower all parliamentary sectors. They are not trying to diminish any authority. Regarding the 'blue regime' term, he sought to communicate to the public and society the political monopoly he and others question: whether the government led by Bhumjaithai holds executive power and whether this political group dominates the Senate. Given the Senate also appoints independent organizations, this monopoly undermines checks and balances, leading to failure, lack of transparency, and rising corruption indices outpacing economic growth, harming citizens and businesses. If senators agree with strengthening checks and balances, they should be open to the constitution drafting process to build public trust that senators are not obstructing it.
When questioned about counterclaims that the 'blue regime' accusation partly stems from the memorandum of agreement and the Prachachon Party’s voting on that day, Mr. Natthapong acknowledged that current political situations might result from the party’s past political decisions. However, he emphasized Thailand’s failure stems from internal weakness due to corruption eroding the country. The failed checks and balances include the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which should investigate and punish corrupt politicians directly, akin to practices in South Korea; the Office of the Auditor General, which addresses budget misuse causing infrastructure collapses; and even poor road conditions impacting citizens' quality of life. He wants Thailand to strengthen internal anti-corruption efforts and build robust checks and balances. This requires amending and drafting a new constitution to make oversight agencies more accountable to the people. For instance, under the 1997 constitution, citizens could initiate the removal of independent bodies that failed to perform properly.
"Therefore, I see drafting a new constitution as crucial to enhancing the people's power and increasing national transparency. That is why in the past we made such decisions because we saw fundamental problems with the country's highest rules. I admit past decisions have affected current political situations, but I invite everyone to look forward. Currently, Thailand is under a 'blue regime' that is eroding the country, consolidating power over politics and the economy. Our party's role remains unchanged, and we are ready to campaign and communicate nationwide that the country’s solution lies in making ultimate power belong to the people through drafting a new constitution that is most connected to the public," Mr. Natthapong said. Mr. Natthapong added.
Asked how he feels about allegations that the Prachachon Party contributed to the emergence of the 'blue regime,' Mr. Natthapong reiterated that he accepts past decisions led to the current situation but views the 'blue regime' as larger than Bhumjaithai. He does not deny that their past choices contributed to the present, but under the 2017 constitution, any party governing would face a 20-year national strategy and independent organizations not accountable to the people. These entities wield power not directly from the people and consistently undermine elected governments. He suggested Bhumjaithai may be a frontline agent within this 'blue regime,' but to genuinely resolve the country's issues, the foundation must be the people. The way forward is to proceed with drafting a new constitution that most citizens approve and accept.
Regarding the claim that Bhumjaithai is an agent, and whether he can specify what constitutes the 'blue regime,' Mr. Natthapong asked everyone to analyze and consider what components make up the regime. As he has previously questioned some senators, he asked whether the origins of certain independent organizations are under the influence of particular political groups. If everyone shares the same understanding, they will recognize the appropriate solutions the country needs to address.
Asked whether Bhumjaithai's announced timeline for constitutional amendment shows sincerity, Mr. Natthapong said he believes rushing to complete amendments is not the solution. The goal should be a good draft connected to the people. The Prachachon Party does not intend to delay but emphasizes the importance of the drafting process following the three principles previously stated. This approach will produce the best constitution that the people want to see. The party may have several options and acknowledges that, according to Mr. Parit Watcharasinthorn, party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party and chair of the opposition coordination committee in the House, they have received requests for support from Pheu Thai and Democrat parties due to insufficient votes. He confirmed their readiness to support all drafts consistent with the Prachachon Party's principles.