People’s Party leader Natthaphong breaks down in tears on live TV after election setback

2026-02-10 - 05:16

BANGKOK — Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party and its prime ministerial candidate, said he accepted the outcome of the election but stressed that public trust depended on a transparent and fair process by the Election Commission (EC). Speaking during a live interview on the television programme Kammakorn Khao Khuai Nok Jor, hosted by Sorayuth Suthassanachinda on Tuesday, Natthaphong said acceptance of the result must go hand in hand with credibility. “We accept the election result, but for there to be no problem, the public must also accept it. What can be done is for the EC to carry out all its duties transparently and fairly,” he said. Asked whether he was unable to generate the same level of political momentum as Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Pita Limjaroenrat, Natthaphong said he accepted such views and did not deny that some people might feel that way. During the interview, he became visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears as he spoke about his party colleagues. “My teammates told me that we work as a team. What happened was not because of me alone,” he said in a trembling voice. He said he had messaged former constituency MPs who failed to retain their seats, expressing his regret and sadness that he would no longer see them in parliament. “As party leader, I asked myself whether I was part of the reason. But every one of them told me it was not related,” he said. Natthaphong apologised to anyone who felt disappointed but ruled out stepping down at this stage. “This is not the time for a party leader to announce a resignation or create uncertainty within the party. My duty now is to ensure the party moves forward steadily. If, in the future, someone is more ready or more capable than me, I have no objection,” he said. When asked whether he felt personally guilty over constituency MPs losing their seats, Natthaphong said he was deeply saddened by the outcome but remained determined to continue his work. “I’m sorry the result turned out this way. Even though I’ve shed tears, I’m resolute and will keep moving forward,” he said.