Bangkok: "Thammanat" smiles defiantly despite the absence of Kla Tham's name in the cabinet reshuffle, declaring that he can work wherever he is. Captain Thamanat Phromphao, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Kla Tham Party, along with Mrs. Narumon Phinyosinthuwat, Party Leader, and Mr. Phailik, Party Secretary-General, led the Kla Tham Party's Members of Parliament (MPs) to report to the Office of the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives at the Parliament building.
According to Thai News Agency, before reporting for duty, the MPs from the Kla Tham Party paid respects to Phra Siam Thewathirat and the shrine of the ancestors, sacred sites within the Parliament building, for good fortune. They then took a group photo before proceeding to the registration area. Mr. Atthakorn revealed while entering the B1 floor of the Parliament building that almost all MPs from the Kla Tham Party had arrived today, with the exception of a few who had reported in advance, to demonstrate the party's unity in working together. He affirmed that the party remains strong, with most of the veteran MPs having achieved success in the elections, while the new MPs are beginning their work in Parliament for the first time.
After reporting for duty, Captain Thamanat gave an interview regarding the formation of the government, stating that the Kla Tham Party has not yet held discussions with any other political parties, as he had previously stated. He also emphasized that since his party is not the leading party in forming the government, it must respect the leading party as a matter of political etiquette. Regarding the rumors about the cabinet lineup not including the Kla Tham Party, Captain Thamanat stated that he didn't feel anything about it because he has been involved in politics since 2019, having been both a leader in forming a government and an independent opposition member. Therefore, he is ready to fulfill all roles as a representative of the people.
When asked if he regretted losing his position as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Captain Thamanat said he didn't feel any regret because he could work for the people regardless of his position. He compared political positions to "masks" that can be removed or passed on at any time. Regarding rumors of MPs being poached or "defectors" from the Kla Tham Party, Captain Thamanat stated that the party is strong and united, using an analogy: "We are snake catchers; we wouldn't let our snakes go anywhere." He emphasized that the 56 seats won were the result of hard work and dedication, and that any defection is a personal matter.
Furthermore, Captain Thamanat also commented on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's refusal to answer questions about the Kla Tham Party's participation in the government, stating that he didn't feel anything about it and reiterated that they still have a good relationship and are not angry or in conflict. Regarding the case of Mr. Chonnapat Naksua, MP for Songkhla, whose residence was searched by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in connection with an online gambling case, Captain Thamanat stated that he had not yet received details and would have to wait for clarification in the afternoon. He also emphasized that it was a personal matter and not related to the party.