Village Headmen Accept MP Phandith's Apology, Call for Close Monitoring of Party Disciplinary Action
Village headmen accepted a formal apology from Bangkok MP Phandith Nuamjerm after he alleged they were drug dealers, with authorities pledging to monitor the Pheu Thai Party's disciplinary action against him.
At 9:30 a.m. on May 6, 2025, at parliament, the Association of Village Headmen, Community Leaders, Sub-district Health Officers, and Village Assistant Leaders of Thailand, led by association chairman Yongyos Kaewkhiao, submitted a letter to Deputy Minister of Interior Peersuwan Suwannachuay and other Interior Ministry officials as well as members of parliament from Bhumjaithai Party. This was in response to remarks made by Bangkok MP Phandith Nuamjerm of the Pheu Thai Party, who alleged that village headmen are drug dealers.
Yongyos stated that the association is currently conducting monthly meetings in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, with district officers ordering drug testing during these gatherings. He noted this is the fifth time he personally has undergone such testing following the parliamentary allegations. He emphasized that village headmen positions are considered "clean family" positions.
Yongyos announced the association's second official statement accepting the apology from Phandith and Pheu Thai, praising the MP for taking responsibility and acknowledging the mistake. The association hoped this would serve as a lesson that parliamentary criticism should be based on factual evidence and show respect for field-level workers. The association stated they will use this incident as motivation to continue fighting drug problems with integrity and transparency.
Deputy Minister Peersuwan expressed that the Interior Ministry has always worked well with village headmen nationwide and found the parliamentary remarks unacceptable given the MP's qualifications. However, with the formal apology issued, he said they await the outcome of disciplinary measures from Pheu Thai. He pledged the ministry's full support for all village headmen across the country.
Pheu Thai MP Kraweir Parisnanandkul of Ang Thong province stated that the association submitted documents to all parties highlighting the impact of the parliamentary remarks. He noted this serves as an important lesson for all parliamentarians to be more careful and evidence-based in their discussions, and that it should prompt greater caution across all parties in future parliamentary debates.
