Mai points out that the MOA with Bhumjaithai was a costly but forgettable lesson because it was not a significant matter, but steps will be taken to prevent it from happening again in the future.
On 4 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the People’s Party, was interviewed about the one-year anniversary of the MOA between the People’s Party and Bhumjaithai. She said she did not remember it being a one-year anniversary because it was not an event worthy of remembrance. "We will not remember it or celebrate its anniversary. However, it is a costly lesson for the People’s Party in building trust among political parties—how much trust can be placed."
Ms. Sirikanya added that all agreements in the form of MOUs and MOAs are essentially matters of trust and political credit between both parties. Today, we see that one side has destroyed its own credit, forcing us to learn this costly lesson to ensure it does not happen again in the future.
Regarding the "Cabinet Meets the People" program, it may help when popularity is low, and the government resorts to using NBT to broadcast their achievements. However, she believes it is unlikely to significantly boost popularity. If the Prime Minister had been present in Parliament yesterday, there would have been no need for back-and-forth exchanges. She urged the Prime Minister to answer parliamentary questions at least once in his life.
Ms. Sirikanya also commented on Bhumjaithai’s Facebook page warning that debating the Election Commission’s report could turn into a no-confidence motion against the independent body. She said they still do not understand why such extreme measures are taken to protect the EC from parliamentary debate. One clear explanation is that the 2024 EC performance review inevitably involves allegations of Senate election fraud, in which Bhumjaithai may have a direct vested interest. Revelations from the People’s Party and civil society have caused them distress.
When asked if the upcoming debate on the Southern insurgency motion would drag on like yesterday, Ms. Sirikanya said that with nearly 20 Bhumjaithai MPs added to the list and the opposition organizing about five speakers, it is a political game planned this week to lock down opposition speakers next week. When asked if the People’s Party would file a complaint about the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s conduct, she said they have already expressed their criticism to encourage improvements and see no need for a formal written complaint now. However, they will watch for improvements, and if the same issues recur, they may consider submitting a formal complaint.