Suchart affirms that Natthawut Wongniam is not his personal advisor, only someone he knows and hired for legal cases. He insists he does not support violence and stopped employing him immediately after society expressed concern.
On 8 September 2026 at the Parliament, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke about his association with lawyer Natthawut Wongniam following the assault on former Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. He acknowledged knowing Natthawut as part of a law firm and hiring him for 2-3 cases that have since concluded as per contract. He stressed that Natthawut is not his personal lawyer and that both are mature adults, so he cannot control Natthawut’s actions. He admitted familiarity but said he cannot instruct or compel him, noting that if Natthawut insulted him in return, what could he do? Thus, it is Natthawut’s own matter.
When asked if there are any ongoing cases, Suchart said there are none. He noted that as a politician, it is natural to know people personally, but each has different views. Regarding Natthawut, he hired him but does not use or consult him on every matter because he has around ten legal teams and selects them based on each case's specialty. When society expressed discomfort, he did not support such conduct and immediately stopped using Natthawut’s services. He thanked the media and friends who called, reiterating that Natthawut is not a personal advisor but like any ordinary person.