Phakamon exposes a deal to 'hold' opposition MPs, noting they don't have to switch parties but just sit to complete the quorum and vote as ordered, in exchange for payments worth millions. She urges an end to dirty tactics and challenges politicians, saying 8 out of 10 know this happens.
On 15 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Phakamon Noonanan, a list MP and spokesperson for the Prachachon Party, spoke about revealing that opposition MPs are being 'held' in parliament. She said this is part of ongoing discussions about current parliamentary politics. When asked if some parties say they are willing to pay MPs from other parties just to sit to meet quorum, she clarified there is no concrete evidence, but everyone asked knows this really happens. The process involves not needing to switch parties, just sitting to fulfill quorum as legally required, with compensation given. This has happened repeatedly, but now talks about it are more open and clear.
When asked if most targeted MPs are from the opposition, Ms. Phakamon confirmed that yes, they are opposition MPs but declined to name which parties. She added that Prachachon Party itself has received such offers, learned from friends in discussions sharing these proposals. The main point is to reflect the current political system.
"Those sitting in parliament must accept that some have political will, others are career politicians seeking income. When such offers arise, they are very tempting and dilute political intention, making it unreliable. I believe the root cause is using money to buy MPs to meet quorum and vote occasionally without even switching parties. I think this must stop and parties should compete in the next election. If we lose and you win, don’t try to add members this way. Money can’t buy everything — not political will, not commitment or intention. So don’t let money dominate or think your money is big enough to buy those committed to changing this country," Ms. Phakamon said.
Asked if this practice could be a form of buying defectors or 'snakes' in parliament, Ms. Phakamon said this is a well-known tactic, not new but evolving. Often, defectors lose their political future and then are 'held' instead. She challenged skeptics to honestly ask themselves if this doesn’t exist. She believes that if you talk to 10 politicians, 8 will confirm it is real.
Regarding concerns that internal party information might be leaked to opponents, Ms. Phakamon said they always caution MPs and emphasize discipline. However, no rules can fully prevent those who lack backbone and conscience from betraying the public. She personally believes Prachachon Party MPs must be honest to the public with political will. If tempted by other factors, they should recall their beginnings. She clarified she does not claim Prachachon has defectors or traitors now but urges all to remember that what sustains them is the trust between them and the public.
When asked about the monetary value of such 'holding' deals, Ms. Phakamon said sitting to complete quorum might be worth up to 100,000 baht, or a lump sum for a whole parliamentary session could reach millions. Spending at this level suggests vote buying in recent elections is ongoing and continues.
"I strongly believe those who start politics with money can’t do otherwise; they must keep using money to run their operations. But today I urge all politicians, whether from their own or other parties, to consider the public’s perspective and fatigue in seeking voters. Remember the hope people place in us. Money is little compared to the public’s hopes. Don’t be selfish or just seek personal gain. Think broadly about the many people who entrust their hope to us." . Phakamon said.
Asked if Prachachon Party investigates such matters internally, Ms. Phakamon said people believe discussions or proposals happen. The party is a clear example where defectors and traitors to the public lose their political future. Stories are shared as experiences. But if asked if anyone accepted money, she answered frankly there is no evidence of receipt. She asked everyone to have conscience about being elected representatives and not let anyone buy not just the person but the trust the public has in them.