Suchat questions Sondhi's call to mobilize crowds, taking the country back 20 years and damaging the investment climate. He insists such matters are no joke, understands that not everyone loves the country, but believes the government should be given a chance to work. Elections cannot be held every 6 months to a year.
On 8 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the parliament, Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke about former People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul’s announcement to take to the streets. He said he learned from the media but urged people to see the bigger picture: recently, an amnesty law was passed for protesters and some have been released. Since entering politics in 2011, he witnessed protests by all colors and groups. He believes we have passed that point nearly 20 years ago and asked the public to decide what going back 20 years would mean.
Suchat said that the Bhumjaithai Party received over 5.2 million votes, while all others combined naturally exceed that number. Expecting everyone to love them is unrealistic. However, in a democracy, the majority’s voice must be accepted, and the government was formed by the largest vote share. With such movements now, is the answer to hold elections every 6 months or year? He said people must give the government a chance, emphasizing it came into power properly and, although only a few months have passed, it works every day.
"With respect to the senior media figure mentioned, I have no personal problem with anyone, but I want the whole country to calmly reflect on the truth of what I am saying."
When asked if this movement would affect the government, Suchat said he is more concerned about the investment atmosphere. He questioned how it would affect investment since the government has no major corruption or serious administrative failures. Key figures such as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Interior Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Supachai Jutamat, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthamphan, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew have been traveling abroad to attract investors. After Covid-19, every country is starting anew, and Thailand is recovering faster than others. Bringing back unrest now would harm the investment atmosphere. He spoke as an elected MP familiar with past parliamentary unrest where members had to be alert to possible disruptions.
"Do you think it's fun? Once, during a no-confidence debate against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, I had to sleep in the parliament to wake up and brush my teeth in the morning before voting. I ask again: should such an atmosphere return? It is not a matter to take lightly."