Deputy PM Meets Political Mentor Tonight to Defuse Coalition Tensions

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, speaking as a Bhumjaithai Party leader on July 27 at Government House, addressed recent rumors of disagreement between two senior coalition figures. He said there were attempts to create division by someone unknown, but insisted that meetings occur every week before cabinet sessions and parliamentary joint sessions. He urged the public not to worry about himself, the Prime Minister, or party leadership, calling them a unified political party and attributing the discord narrative to ill-wishers.

When asked if the conflict could destabilize the government, Pipat said he was unsure due to involvement of other coalition partners, but confirmed no problems within Bhumjaithai itself. He noted rumors of discrediting between the two figures had circulated for 2–3 days. To counter this narrative, Pipat and the party's political mentor will make merit together in Nakhon Si Thammarat on July 31, and attend a friendly football match between Buriram and Pattani provinces on August 1—which Pipat presented as factual evidence of their cooperation.

Pipat said he did not know the source of the attacks, noting that most come from avatar accounts of unknown origin and are difficult to trace. He has reported the matter to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Technology Crime Investigation Division. When asked about the party's respected political mentor and whether attacks could shake government stability, Pipat explained that the mentor gathers information and offers political advice to new ministers, as politics is complex and requires expert guidance. He said he and the mentor had not yet spoken directly, only by phone, and would meet this evening.

Asked whether the mentor advised on allegations that several Bhumjaithai leaders were linked to a parliamentary scandal, Pipat said his name had not appeared before but does now, leaving him confused. He denied any involvement and noted that allegations about his daughter, a company employee with no political role, were unfounded. He said he would consult legal advisors about possible action and called for more careful speech: "When you speak, you should filter your words. Don't say whatever comes to mind or whatever someone whispers to you, because that causes damage. I can bear criticism since I hold a position that must, but words should be chosen wisely."