Theng Urges High Turnout in Social Security Board Vote
Theng, leader of the People's Party, urged insured workers and employers to turn out in large numbers for the social security board election, citing strong early participation at polling stations nationwide. He said the high voter enthusiasm reflects growing public awareness and will shape how the fund's money is used to improve welfare for all. He also asked officials to ensure voting access in flood-affected areas like Phetchaburi so no one loses their right.
At 2 p.m. on October 11, 2026, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, party-list MP and People's Party leader, gave interviews after voting at Mahonnoparam School in Talingchan. He reported that traffic was congested from the entrance and that many people had turned out at the school and at other polling stations nationwide. Voting remained open until 4 p.m., and he urged both insured persons and employers to participate. When asked what the high turnout signified, Natthaphong said it reflected growing public awareness from recent news coverage, and that the social security fund—contributed by workers and employers—should be used to improve welfare for everyone, which ultimately also benefits employers. He praised the current enthusiasm and urged voters to keep turning out until closing, explaining that greater participation yields a board that truly represents contributors. Asked how he felt about the strong turnout, he said merely seeing many voters was a positive sign, noting that the proportion of voters matters most in any election, and results would be known later that evening. Regarding evening plans, he said he would monitor the outcome, though his party did not field candidates so there would be no war room; he would follow the count privately. When asked about floods in Phetchaburi province, he said he had been following the situation, seen reports and received updates from local teams indicating multiple flooded spots, and asked authorities to facilitate voting for all eligible voters so nobody loses their right due to the disaster. Finally, asked whether he hopes for another calendar this year, he replied that the decision on producing a calendar or allocating budget rests with the social security board, and that today's vote itself determines how the monthly contributions will be spent.
