Natthapong Ruangpanyawut wished Piyabutr Sangkanokkul a happy birthday and explained his absence was due to other commitments. He confirmed receiving a phone invitation and stated that the strongest bond between Ice and A. Pok is the party's ideology. He revealed that a four-day no-confidence debate period is acceptable, though five days would be better, and urged the government to clarify the Cabinet's free days schedule. Tags: [politics, opposition, party ideology, no-confidence debate, government schedule]
On 23 Oct 2026 GMT+7 at Thairath TV and Thairath Online, Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, addressed the case where former Future Forward Party leaders held a birthday party for Piyabutr Sangkanokkul, former Future Forward secretary-general, and Chaitawat Tulathon, former Move Forward Party leader, but neither Natthapong nor Rakchanok Srinok, a People's Party list MP, attended. When asked if he would give birthday wishes today, Natthapong briefly responded: Tags: [politics, People's Party, Future Forward, Move Forward, birthday event] "Happy birthday."Tags: [greeting, birthday] When asked if this caused perceptions of internal party rifts, Natthapong said there were actually no rifts. He was simply busy and could not attend. Such social events naturally have some members attending and others not, due to differing commitments, and there is no particular issue. He acknowledged receiving a phone invitation but was occupied with other duties.Tags: [party unity, commitments, attendance, social events]
When asked whether he would act as a bridge to mend relations between Rakchanok and Piyabutr, Natthapong stated that the most important bond is the party's ideology, the fundamental reason for entering politics. Personal relationships are normal in any organization, involving discussions and occasional disagreements.Tags: [party ideology, reconciliation, personal relationships, politics]
"Ultimately, the strongest bondTags: [party unity, ideology] lies inTags: [] each of us answering our own political question of why we entered politics. I believe everyone has their own answer." said Natthapong.Tags: [political motivation, ideology, leadership]
When asked about Speaker Sopon Sarum's earlier statement that the government had conceded to a four-day no-confidence debate period but that the opposition had not yet confirmed their preferred schedule, Natthapong said that after a three-party whip meeting walkout, he and colleagues met with Speaker Sopon to express their flexibility, focusing on the total hours allocated. Following the original 60-hour, five-day framework for 18 ministers—which is more than the 11 ministers in past administrations, such as the 45 hours during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government—the principle is reasonable. If the government insists the five days and 60 hours are excessive and wants to reduce time, the opposition is open but needs to coordinate with coalition partners to manage content and speakers accordingly. If pressured to shorten the debate and schedule it next week, the opposition will face difficulties. The opposition is ready but is still waiting for the government to provide a clear schedule.Tags: [no-confidence debate, parliamentary procedure, opposition, government negotiation, scheduling]
Asked if the debate could take place from 7-11 Nov, Natthapong said there are no obstacles and they are ready as soon as possible, but it depends on the Cabinet's free days. When asked whether he would propose these dates at the three-party whip meeting, he said the whip forum should aim for closure, but discussions two days ago did not conclude. The opposition has been flexible and requested the government's full schedule but has yet to receive it, only hearing that the government aims to schedule the debate next week with reduced time—three to four days—which complicates their work.Tags: [debate scheduling, opposition readiness, government coordination, parliamentary whip meetings]
When asked if the opposition still insists on five days, Natthapong said that currently five days would be ideal, but based on the government's proposed schedule, it is expected to be four days.Tags: [debate duration, opposition position, government proposal]
"We are okay with four days, but we need time to coordinate with other opposition parties, since we may have to reduce the number of speakers and content due to the shorter time," Natthapong said.Tags: [opposition coordination, debate management, parliamentary procedure]
