People's Party Leader Defends Assistant's Critique, Calls Unity, Flood Focus
Nattapong Ruangpanyawut defended an aide of MP Ice Ratchanakorn who called Piyabutr Saengkanokkul 'old and feeble' in a video, saying he cannot silence sincere speech. He stressed the importance of outward unity and urged focus on flood relief rather than internal disputes. He added that criticism should be handled internally and that no side is wholly right in debates over political reform.
Nattapong Ruangpanyawut spoke at Thammasat University on October 9, 2026 regarding a video posted by an aide of MP Ice Ratchanakorn that criticised Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary‑general of the Progressive Movement and founder of the Future Forward Party. He said the People's Party is a mass party with many factions and that, as its leader, he cannot order anyone to stay silent if they speak in good faith; the aide is free to express his views. Nattapong added that showing outward unity is just as important as internal work and stressed that his comments were not aimed at any individual. When asked about the harsh language used—such as 'old and feeble'—he said criticism should be debated internally and that attention should now turn to solving the flood problem and scrutinising the government. He also noted that MPs are responsible for guiding their aides, believes Ice Ratchanakorn is already speaking with hers, and said that while Piyabutr’s idea of 'Hyperpolitics' may have academic merit, practical adjustments are needed and no side is completely right or wrong.
