Pichan Chaowapattanawong indicated that raising the 'Phawut' issue might be a diversion intended to undermine the credibility of both Phawut and the Prachachon Party. He expressed confidence that the media will understand, as this is not the first time the party has faced such challenges.
On 19 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Pichan Chaowapattanawong, Secretary-General of the Prachachon Party (PChn.), spoke about Mr. Phawut Pongwitthayaphanu, the party-list MP ranked seventh, who is connected to relatives of former Future Forward Party leaders. Mr. Phawut joined the party since the Move Forward Party (MFP) days, involved in online commerce and party proportional committees. The party's MP selection process applies equally to all candidates, and he believes Mr. Phawut is ready to clarify all allegations.
Mr. Pichan believes the media will understand, as this is not the first time the Prachachon Party has encountered such issues. He affirmed the party does not have a culture of protecting wrongdoers but insists all matters proceed transparently and fairly. As party secretary-general, he noted that questions can be raised because Mr. Phawut is rigorously investigating government projects related to Mr. Chaichanak Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES). This scrutiny led to investigations. Similarly, during the last MP election, the party faced comparable issues when a Bangkok MP candidate for District 33 was raided over allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering, though prosecutors ultimately did not press charges.
Mr. Pichan further questioned whether these incidents reflect a political attempt to diminish the Prachachon Party's credibility. He asked if this current wave of scrutiny, occurring while the party is rigorously examining the government, serves as a diversion to undermine the reputations of Mr. Phawut and the Prachachon Party.