People's Party Leader Accuses Government of Lawfare Amid MP Ethics Case
The article covers People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut's statements at Parliament on Oct 28, 2026. Key points: - He addressed an arrest warrant for Ben Smith and associates, saying shadowy financial networks may connect to polit
On October 28, 2026, at Parliament, People's Party list MP and party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut gave an interview regarding the arrest warrant issued for Ben Smith and associates. He acknowledged that these shadowy financial networks may connect to political networks, stressing the key question is whether they lead to major figures. The party has already assigned people to monitor this, but details should await parliamentary debate.
Asked if the warrant was retaliation for the 'God Damm' case where a People's Party MP shared a post prompting swift investigation, Natthaphong said they are unrelated.
Regarding the Bhumjaithai Party's ethics complaint against list MP Rakchanok Srinok for sharing a fake post, Natthaphong spoke broadly: political officeholders must exercise caution and filter information, as society expects. However, the core problem is public distrust in government. When such news emerges, everyone helps verify — rather than the government expanding the issue, what matters more is a justice process that examines everyone equally, blind to name or face.
Asked if the ethics complaint aims to eliminate a no-confidence debate heavyweight, Natthaphong said the current Bhumjaithai-led government, independent agencies, and justice bodies have already been using legal warfare to destroy those who check power — whether opposition or people-powered movements. The amendment of the four fund laws appears politically motivated, reducing media freedom and the drive of projects within the MP network.
Under the 'blue regime,' both legal warfare and law amendments are used to kick aside the opposing people's movement — a central theme the opposition frames in the no-confidence debate: the blue regime is an enemy and a criminal within democracy.
On whether sharing fake news lowers a politician's value when Natthaphong previously said politicians must meet higher standards, he replied that if a party representative violates standards or discipline, the party acts without exception. Conversely, many questions exist about politicians in other parties too; he wants media to ask them the same.
Asked if the party will back down since other parties don't set such standards while People's Party constantly does, Natthaphong said internal standards aren't about moral superiority — they're normal standards that more democratic foreign parties follow. Ultimately, voters judge politicians at elections.
On whether he will assist MP Rakchanok's case, Natthaphong said he needs to see details first.
