Phai responded to Monporn, urging her not to be defensive, stating that the Kla Tham Party is not possessive over the Ministry of Agriculture but has experience. Atthakorn criticized the use of Suriyas' standards to generalize others, highlighting that during Thammanat's era there were no issues of personal gain or favoritism.
23 July 2026 GMT+7 Phai Lik Member of Parliament (MP) for Kamphaeng Phet and secretary-general of the Kla Tham Party (KTP) gave an interview regarding Monporn Charoensri MP for Nakhon Phanom and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party (PT), who posted on Facebook criticizing Lt. Col. Thammanat Phromphao List MP and leader of the Kla Tham Party, after he criticized civil servant transfers within the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (read more: "Monporn responds to Kla Tham: Don't judge others by your own work methods, assures Suriyas acts appropriately") saying that in fact he is close to Monporn but wants to remind her that the Kla Tham Party is not attached to the ministry. They do not claim the issues are true and advise her not to be defensive because their comments aim to prevent such situations from happening. The information comes from inside the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and they appreciate those brave enough to admit it. They deny being fixated on the ministry.)He affirmed, "We are not attached to the Ministry of Agriculture. Throughout our work, we acknowledge that we operate under the prime minister's supervision, whoever that may be."
Phai further revealed that if they receive sufficient budget allocations, they can surely succeed. Many problems require funding, and sometimes requests go unmet, limiting their problem-solving ability. Regarding allegations of bribery or the absence thereof, he emphasized that their work is evidence-based; they do not speak without proof. They initially warned against unjust civil servant transfers. So far, none have occurred, but if they do, it would align with their concerns, as such matters would never be known in advance.
When asked if such transfers would amount to purging Kla Tham Party members within the ministry, Phai replied that whether a purge occurs is not their concern. Their point is that those in power have the right to change personnel to fit their work. If someone is replaced for poor performance, that is legitimate. But if effective workers are replaced because they do not comply with other demands, that is the opposition's role to scrutinize.
Phai continued that if such actions do happen, he is confident Monporn’s remarks would affect worker morale. He believes she may boost morale for a small group, but the majority of workers would be discouraged. More importantly, it would hurt the ministry’s performance, possibly increasing corruption such as kickbacks. However, he trusts their ability to investigate such issues, for example within the Royal Irrigation Department, and believes such problems are likely to arise.
Regarding whether this issue would lead to a no-confidence debate, Phai said they currently lack strong evidence but would act fully if they find any. They do not oppose out of possessiveness but because their experience in the Agriculture Ministry gives them insight into its workings.
"Atthakorn furious: Don't generalize others by Suriyas' standards"
Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn MP for Chachoengsao and spokesperson for the Kla Tham Party, former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said that as a former ministry administrator, he believes Monporn may not fully understand the ministry’s internal operations and urged not to judge others by Suriyas Juangroongruangkit's standards. "Lt. Col. Thammanat’s criticism of civil servant transfers in the Ministry of Agriculture is not political conflict. The Kla Tham Party never claims ownership of the ministry but is concerned for civil servants who have been dedicated and are losing morale. As opposition, if ministers govern well, we would not criticize them."
Atthakorn added that their ministers' standard was diligent problem-solving. During their administration, ministry officials cooperated fully. Agricultural problems require time to resolve, but under Lt. Col. Thammanat, progress was steady as he focused on work without personal or factional interests. Representatives of farmer groups and dedicated officials still support him because they are dissatisfied with Suriyas' current management.
"Since Suriyas took office, I question whether he has consulted farmers about their living conditions improving or worsening. Many farmers still face crises, yet he has failed to solve problems effectively. The Agriculture Ministry requires action, not photo ops. To evaluate performance, ask farmers if their lives have improved. Don't prioritize investors while neglecting the country's true owners."
Atthakorn also urged the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives to promptly disburse compensation payments to rice farmers planting wet-season rice. If Suriyas genuinely cares about farmers' hardships, he must act immediately instead of making them wait indefinitely.