Ex-Democrat Says No Regrets Over Pracharaj Clash
Former Democrat Party vice chair Virojn Luksanaditchr stands by his criticism of Pracharaj Party members, saying they should show proper deference to the Democrats as their benefactors and stop behaving disrespectfully despite claiming grat
On September 9, Virojn Luksanaditchr, former Democrat Party list MP and party vice chair, commented on his dispute with Dr. Ekkaphop Piarpised, the new government spokesman, saying the latter should speak with Pracharaj Party members about their sense of gratitude toward the Democrat Party. Virojn stated he was speaking in his capacity as a benefactor to Pracharaj.
"I spoke truly as someone with favor toward Pracharaj Party. When I, as a benefactor, teach and advise, I want them to listen. Whatever is wrong, they should feel remorse, confess fully, and reform into good people. But this attitude of defiance, face-pulling, and arguing without proper deference—that should stop. It is behavior unfit toward a benefactor," Virojn said, suggesting Ekkaphop learn courtesy from Government House Minister Phradhon Parisathnanukul.
When asked if his post was emotionally harsh or an outburst, Virojn denied it. He reasoned that since Pracharaj thanks the Democrats, this makes him a benefactor to them, giving him the right to teach. He explained that while some once suggested Pracharaj's thanks were sarcastic, he now interprets their gratitude seriously and holds the position that as a benefactor, he has the duty to guide them in proper Thai cultural behavior and deference.
"I am not lashing out. I think the other side broke faith more. I tell Democrat members that when someone acknowledges our benevolence and views us as their benefactor, that is good. We should teach them gratitude," Virojn said, criticizing those who say thank you but behave disrespectfully.
He emphasized that words of gratitude combined with improper conduct damage credibility and invite social criticism. He stated that as a benefactor, he cannot accept such contradiction. "If we debate Pracharaj again, I will ask them one final time: am I truly your benefactor or not? Should you conduct yourselves this way toward a benefactor?" Virojn concluded, noting that ingratitude—forgetting the kindness of a benefactor—is a grave moral failing.
