Dr. Warong opened up after returning to parliament after 12 years, emphasizing his stance as a powerful single opposition voice. He highlighted the idea that anti-corruption must start with the members of parliament themselves. He also clarified all controversies, including his grudge against the Shinawatra family and his past affiliation with the Thai Rak Thai Party, explaining that opening the 10-baht curry shop was intended to serve the people and was not politically motivated.
Returning to serve as a member of parliament after 12 years, Dr. Warong Dejkitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, clearly declared his commitment to fighting corruption, based on a fundamental principle: "To clean the country, you must first clean the parliament." This idea was inspired by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who tackled corruption by starting with cracking down on extravagant lifestyles and lavish living among high-ranking government officials.
Dr. Warong began by calling on MPs to buy their own food, abolish pensions, and reduce the number of parliamentary assistants from eight to three. This would save the country hundreds of millions of baht annually. Although his proposal faced boos and opposition from all sides in parliament on the first day, he insisted that fighting corruption must start with small, immediate issues.
In addition, Dr. Warong exposed the excessive benefits granted to MPs, which he views as unfair to the public, especially international school tuition reimbursements and the "Former Members of Parliament Fund", which provides lifelong benefits to MPs. If an MP serves for one year and then resigns, they can receive a monthly pension exceeding 21,300 baht for life. Even MPs who served only a few days are entitled to medical benefits, including dental care worth hundreds of thousands of baht, for life.
"Politicians who volunteer to serve the people must be able to take care of themselves and not burden the public with their upkeep," Dr. Warong emphasized strongly.
Watch the full interview covering his work as an opposition member alongside the People’s Party, whose MPs he said have good ideas when collaborating, but he doubts that rewriting the constitution will improve the country. He also addresses questions about whether he holds a personal grudge against the Shinawatra family and recalls old photos of him following Je Daeng Yaowapha Wongsawat, sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as whether he delivered babies for Dr. Ong Padipat Santipada and Folk Natchanon Chanaburanasak, People’s Party MPs from Phitsanulok. He also explains the origin of the 10-baht curry shop, stating it was not politically motivated or meant as a satire on MPs’ free meals. The full details are available on the Thairath Politics program.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znNyLrt0S8U&list=PLg9S5bqtYWfAKCc_X4HrsRv4Lkk1Fbnvh
Photo: Ekkalak Mainoi