Ponphir retorts to Kardee after her criticism of the 'Look Thep' group of ministers, boasting about achievements such as cutting hidden electricity fees on citizens' bills and addressing corruption in local government exams—calling these all 'Look Thep' accomplishments—and fires back by asking what the Democrat Party did during their 30 years in government.
At 11:10 a.m. on 15 Jul 2026 at the Government House, Ponphir Suwannachawi, Deputy Minister of the Interior, spoke about the case where Ms. Kardee Liaopairoj, a party-list MP from the Democrat Party, questioned the appointment of ministers from the 'Look Thep' group, saying appointments should be based on ability rather than surname. He said there was no pressure on any minister categorized as 'Look Thep.' He challenged the Democrat Party, which was part of the coalition for just three months in the previous government, asking what they had accomplished. Nothing memorable for the public or Thai society was evident. All personnel chosen by the Prime Minister are capable, and although they have only been in office for three months, it is already clear how the Prime Minister's intended policies are being driven forward.
"But looking back, there may be a member from your party who was Deputy Minister of the Interior. From my view, I see no accomplishments—only efforts to secure budget allocations." Ponphir said.
Ponphir added that today, looking at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), it is well prepared. Deputy Minister Jesad Thaiset is doing his best. Regarding tackling corruption in local government exams, Deputy Minister Worasit Liangprasit is fully managing the issue. He said they were the ones who proposed removing public electricity fees from people's electricity bills. Therefore, think carefully: did you enter politics because you were stuck in your former profession? They have worked in politics for over 20 years and were chosen by the people. All government policies are for the benefit of the public.
"I have not bought water vending machines, nor handled electricity installations, nor purchased asphalt. So our standards differ. I admit our achievements are not yet fully apparent because we have only been here for just over two months. Wait another 15-30 days. Don't compare us; it’s not comparable." Ponphir said.
When asked if he viewed the term 'Look Thep' as opposition political rhetoric, Ponphir said that grouping them as 'Look Thep' is positive because it shows how ministers and ministries integrate their work. Previously, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Interior each acted independently, unable to solve problems for the public.
"The hidden electricity fees in citizens’ electricity bills, a problem for over 30 years, have been resolved—not because of the 'Look Thep' group or the Prime Minister who selected them. You must ask yourselves what you did in those 30 years and why you left us to fix it, something we are about to complete. This is the skill of the 'Look Thep' group." Ponphir said.