Nattapong insists that the strict investigation into Senate collusion is not because of a split with the Blue Party. He counters Anutin by saying, "Having been in politics longer, he should understand that if there is cause, a no-confidence motion can be filed." He warns that if the cabinet is reshuffled to evade scrutiny, the people will decide at the next election.
17 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the People's Party, serving as opposition leader in the House of Representatives, gave an interview at the Future Forward building regarding the case in which Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the Senate collusion case is unrelated to the government, and that if the People's Party won the election, they likely would not investigate.
Nattapong said that a no-confidence debate is not about proving something beyond doubt. He believes the prime minister, with his long political experience, knows that if there is a reasonable cause, a no-confidence debate can proceed. This is a very normal parliamentary process. As the opposition, after hosting forums on the Senate collusion case, it is clear that this scheme involved organization, exchange, and benefits — what is known as Senate election fraud. Witness testimonies and evidence such as hotel bookings and financial trails strongly suggest involvement of politicians, particularly those affiliated with the Bhumjaithai Party. Therefore, it is difficult to deny this matter or use legal technicalities to block it from entering a no-confidence debate.
When asked if the party would cease investigation if it won the election, Nattapong said the People's Party is fully performing its role as the opposition. The evidence of Senate fraud is very clear. He only wants the prime minister and government politicians to be accountable and subject to parliamentary scrutiny.
Regarding calls to also investigate the orange-aligned senators, Nattapong said they are already investigating everyone. However, according to Election Commission (EC) regulations, candidates may introduce themselves, which is a normal process because candidates come from various backgrounds and professions. This introduction is not against EC rules. What makes it illegal is promising financial or positional returns — the fraud process. He confirmed they are investigating all involved but the evidence they have currently implicates individuals mentioned in complaints awaiting the EC's decision on 31 August.
Asked why the investigation is happening now and if it is due to a split with the Blue side, since audio clips surfaced back then but the People's Party ignored them, leaving it to the EC, Nattapong replied they have been investigating continuously. The evidence includes both old and new materials, with increasing information coming from insiders in the scheme. He gave a brief response: "We confirm that we have been investigating all along. The growing evidence increasingly ties the government side to the Senate election fraud, clearly showing the Bhumjaithai Party's involvement."
Asked if he could identify who the recent 'upper-level' audio clips referred to, without naming directly, Nattapong said he protects sources and believes that Prit Wajrasin, party-list MP of the People's Party who disclosed the information, also does not reveal names.
Regarding drama over academics and analysts disagreeing with Rakchanok Srinok, party-list MP of the People's Party, who sarcastically urged royalists not to remain silent about the audio clips, Nattapong said that broadly, Thailand's political system allows powerful groups to use legal warfare to destroy political opponents. This explains past campaigns and legal amendments, though constitutional court rulings have not become campaign issues.
Nonetheless, the People's Party continues political reforms, including constitutional amendments and strengthening independent agencies' ties to the public. If the clips imply references to 'the upper levels,' some political factions or singers have historically attacked the People's Party. The clips provide clear evidence, and he urges the public to observe whether these political groups and singers will use this issue to file complaints only against political opponents aligned with them. These complaints reveal that Thailand's current political system enables powerful groups to use legal warfare to politically destroy opponents rather than protect beloved institutions.
Asked if the People's Party is calling for complaints under Section 112 (lese-majeste law), Nattapong said he cannot make such demands but wants to clarify standards and let the public judge whether similar cases are treated equally regardless of political affiliation or party loyalty. He sees clear selective enforcement aimed solely at political attacks.
When asked if this contradicts the party's principle against filing Section 112 complaints, the People's Party leader responded that the party has consistently aimed to uphold institutions alongside Thai society. To achieve this, legal and political systems must be improved, and he believes there is no concern over this stance.
Finally, when asked about progress in the no-confidence debate and what they would do if the cabinet is reshuffled to avoid scrutiny, Nattapong said that according to the constitution, before any cabinet reshuffle, explanations must be given to the House. He believes the public wants the government to openly answer all questions during the debate. If the government intentionally reshuffles to evade scrutiny, ultimately the people will judge the government through the next election. .