"Teng" Confirms People's Party Nominates Prime Minister Does Not Intend to Form a Competing Government

Today (19 March) 9:35 AM at the Parliament, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader and prime minister candidate of the People's Party, gave an interview regarding discussions with opposition parties about whether to nominate additional prime minister candidates. Mr. Nattapong stated that he had heard some rumors but preferred to wait for confirmation during the parliamentary session. He could not speak on behalf of other parties.

When asked if his nomination would be in vain if other opposition parties abstained from voting, Mr. Nattapong said that everyone knows that government formation doesn't happen today but has been ongoing since the night of 8 February 2026, until the day before the prime minister vote. He added that if the Bhumjaithai Party couldn't gather a majority, the Speaker of the House would certainly not have included the Prime Minister vote on the agenda today. Regarding the People's Party's decision to nominate me for the vote in parliament, we are not aiming to compete for the formation of a government. Instead, we will use this parliamentary platform to communicate with the public. Therefore, we are not concerned about the outcome of the vote; we believe it will be beneficial. Concerning concerns from some that the opposition lacks unity and whether the People's Party has coordinated with other political parties, I confirm that we have been coordinating with other opposition parties and informing them of our intentions. However, regarding today's vote, we are not seeking unity from the opposition; it is the prerogative of each party to propose or vote in whatever direction they choose.

When asked whether he thought Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the Minister of Interior, should present his vision to the parliament, Mr. Nattapong said that he had received information from behind the scenes that Mr. Anutin would use this method of communication, but he could not answer on his behalf. He said we should wait and see if Mr. Anutin will use this parliament to clarify or present his vision. However, he added that the regulations concern the qualifications of those who will hold the position of Prime Minister.

When asked about the possibility of "political defectors" from the Northeast Regarding the vote against Mr. Anutin, Mr. Nattapong stated that the Bhumjaithai Party currently holds a relatively stable majority and there is no need to resort to buying MPs from other parties, or what is known as "buying defectors." He believes such an event is inexplicable and unlikely to occur but questioned whether such practices are desirable in Thai politics and what their purpose is. He also expressed continued faith in his party members.

When pressed on whether a potential defection would reflect a flaw in the candidate selection process, Mr. Nattapong stated that if such an event were to happen, he and the party would take responsibility and provide clarification, as they have done in the past. He added that the issue of defectors is not unique to the People's Party but also occurred in previous parliaments, affecting numerous MPs and candidates. He urged society to question all political parties, as they have done with the People's Party, hoping that all parties will field their best candidates for the public to choose from.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong