Akardet criticized Theng for mistaking a cogwheel for a lotus flower, condemning him for defending a party member instead of reprimanding them. He warned against citing freedom of criticism to cover up false news and emphasized that accusing someone of bribery is not a right anyone can claim.
On 1 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Akardet Wongpitakroj, MP for Ratchaburi from Bhumjaithai Party, commented on Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, who responded to government spokespersons about prosecuting Rakchanok Srinok, a party-list MP of Prachachon Party, over sharing a money transfer slip linked to bribery allegations. Akardet expressed surprise that a party leader trusted by many voters would defend a party member instead of warning and training them to respect the law and take responsibility for their actions.
Akardet said the party leader should have investigated the facts and, if the member acted improperly, warned them to accept social responsibility and apologized to the Prime Minister and the public if incorrect information was disseminated. Instead, the leader chose to defend the member by claiming public figures must accept criticism, which mixes unrelated issues.
"I want to ask Theng: if one day false information accused you of taking bribes and it was widely shared, would you still see that as honest criticism? Because criticizing and attacking with false information are different. Freedom of criticism is not a license for anyone to spread untrue information to damage others' reputations." .
Akardet continued that honest criticism must be based on facts, reason, and correctness, not reckless or unreasonable attacks aimed solely at targeting the Prime Minister regardless of the truth.
"Theng's interview style shows he mistakes a cogwheel for a lotus flower. Instead of clarifying right from wrong, he defends the party member's actions. Political leaders should set standards and warn members when they act improperly, not defend them to confuse the public about what is right and wrong, potentially undermining public trust in politicians." .
Akardet emphasized that the Prime Minister has consistently stated willingness to accept honest and polite criticism, understanding that as a public figure, scrutiny is inevitable. However, scrutiny differs from spreading false information to slander, which should not be used to justify actions violating others' rights. This applies not only to the Prime Minister but also to public figures, politicians, and ordinary citizens—no one should fall victim to fake news. Creating false stories or sharing untrue information is unacceptable, as it risks anyone being falsely accused without accountability, ultimately eroding social trust and peaceful coexistence.