Thammanat insists there is no Monaco deal and denies meeting Thaksin, declaring the "red-green-orange" formula is just fake news, urging people to hear it from him directly. He emphasizes the need to give the government a chance to work and stresses that the Kla Tham Party is fully performing its opposition role.
At 10:50 a.m. on 4 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat Prompao, party-list Member of Parliament and leader of the Kla Tham Party (KTP). He gave an interview at a community behind Wat Rim Khlong Nang Hong in Bangkok regarding his absence from politics amid circulating rumors. Regarding the secret Monaco deal, he said that despite not being in government, he has always said he wants the government to fully focus on solving issues, including the economy, people's livelihoods, social problems, and others.
He explained that during this period, he mostly spent time with his family and children, as reported, and barely engaged in politics except overseeing the party and MPs as party leader. The party's MPs have seriously performed their opposition duties in parliamentary sessions. He emphasized they act constructively without letting personal issues affect the country, especially as citizens face hardships now. Regarding his recent overseas trip, he denied any Monaco rumors or such, affirming he went only with family and did not meet anyone abroad except those traveling with him.
When asked about the "green-red-orange" formula, which was said to have been discussed or exchanged, he was asked about the truth. Thammanat said there was none; he never talked or made any deals with anyone. Asked if the political coalition talks were genuine or just a diversion from the Bhumjaithai Party, Thammanat replied it was likely political analysis by scholars predicting potential political shifts in case of political upheaval. He said it was mostly analysts' speculation that spread on social media.
When asked whether the upcoming no-confidence debate would affect political changes, he said it depends on which ministers are debated and whether it targets individuals or the entire cabinet. Regarding whether he, as opposition, would coordinate with the opposition whip committee on the debate, he said they had not discussed it yet. On whether Kla Tham has information to contribute to the debate, Thammanat said they must discuss first and carefully review evidence. Having been in government and frequently debated, he understands the process and will not act emotionally or rashly. Regarding investigations into the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, some speculate he has information. Thammanat responded that having been involved there for a long time, he must be fair to Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who has only been in office a few months and has mostly continued previous projects. Fairness is necessary. Asked if Kla Tham would declare itself fully opposition or keep options open for political shifts, Thammanat said his daily conduct shows he fully performs opposition duties and gives the government a chance to demonstrate their capabilities. If the government cannot manage, then talks can happen.
Asked if the government, facing various pressures, can continue or needs cabinet reshuffling, he said he did not know as he was not part of the government.
Asked about the chances of a green-red-orange coalition forming, he said they never discussed it; it is just speculation and analysis. When pressed if the door is open in the future, he said Kla Tham is different from other parties and he must consult his colleagues first.
Regarding MP Sirikanya Tansakul of the Prachachon Party seemingly signaling goodwill to Kla Tham, Thammanat said,
“I’ve forgotten about matters before the election.” When asked if this means starting anew, he clarified, “No, I mean that before the election, I said politics is uncertain. Enemies can reconcile for the country’s and people's benefit, but that doesn’t mean talks are happening. I must confirm this to avoid misinterpretation or selective quoting that could cause harm.” When asked if he is reconciled with Bhumjaithai Party like Sirikanya claimed, he said not to compare others’ statements with his own thoughts, as Kla Tham is collective and he cannot act alone; decisions involve consultation with colleagues.
On why Kla Tham rarely criticizes the government, with some suspecting they are waiting to join it, Thammanat said no, observing that everyone performs well in parliament.
Asked to assess the government’s first three months, he said having been in administration for long, he prefers not to criticize; the people know well what is what. On what the government should improve to please people, he said the government consists of two large parties with many experienced members, so things should improve, but if not, changes will be necessary.
Asked if Kla Tham and Bhumjaithai can still cooperate, he said, “I have never talked with any party.” When asked what his first words would be if a government invited him to join, he said he could not answer as no such event had happened. He is a practical worker; if he returns, he must truly work and not be a figurehead. He prefers to remain as he is. Asked if he would want the Agriculture Ministry portfolio he is familiar with, he said no, he does not predict anything and is ready to serve the country and people on any side, without assuming government or opposition roles.
On whether he has talked with the Pheu Thai Party, he said he has not talked to anyone, confirming no talks with any party. Asked if he met former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he denied it completely. Asked if the red-green-orange coalition could happen in the future, he laughed and said, “You’re asking about a future that hasn’t happened yet.” Regarding if he has heard from Thaksin since his release, he said they have not talked at all.
At the end, when asked if he has contacted some MPs of Bhumjaithai, he said they are all MPs; when he enters parliament, many greet him as usual because he knows many MPs, and talking is normal. Asked if the rumored deals in the news are untrue, he said, “Rumors, fake news, not secret news.” When asked if most rumors are usually true, Thammanat replied, “No, that’s not true. I confirm this from my own mouth.”