"Theng Natthapong" issued an urgent statement regarding the People's Party candidate for Tak Constituency 2 arrested on charges of involvement with an online gambling website, affirming the party does not tolerate grey-area behaviors and is prepared to take decisive action. He also hopes officials will investigate all groups and parties equally.
At 08:00 on 15 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at the People's Party office, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, party leader, held an urgent press conference about Mr. Ratchapong Soisuwan, the People's Party candidate for Tak Constituency 2, who was detained by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) on allegations of involvement with an online gambling website. The party learned of this from Ratchapong's lawyer last night.
Mr. Natthapong stated that the People's Party has a clear policy and guidelines rejecting all grey-area behaviors, including corruption, drug trafficking, human trafficking, shadow capital, scamming, or online gambling. If any party member, regardless of position, engages in such acts, the party will neither protect nor conceal wrongdoing. The accused must undergo the judicial process to prove their innocence according to legal procedures.
Previously, the party's disciplinary and executive committees have investigated all MPs or party politicians upon complaints without exception. If wrongdoing is found, proportionate sanctions are imposed. This is the party’s established practice, as seen in cases like the former Move Forward Party, which revoked membership of MPs accused of sexual harassment or misconduct.
The People's Party firmly adheres to a zero tolerance principle against corruption, crime, or other serious offenses with unwavering commitment.
Mr. Natthapong expressed hope that government authorities will genuinely tackle influential politicians and criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, shadow capital, scamming, or online gambling now and in the future, rather than conducting politically motivated actions only during pre-election periods.
Mr. Natthapong further told the media that he was informed last night and reiterated that the party had previously received complaints, though not directly about this case. The party has attempted investigations using its internal mechanisms but lacks the state authority and access to in-depth evidence that the police have. The party has acted proportionately based on available evidence and, upon learning new information today as announced, is proceeding fully without negligence.
He added that no party personnel have been exempted. Mr. Ratchapong is currently still detained by the police, and the party's legal team is ready to communicate with him to proceed according to party regulations.
Mr. Natthapong continued that the party cannot find a replacement candidate for Tak Constituency 2 at this time. He emphasized that the People's Party will not tolerate problems; if evidence is found, the party will act proportionately. He hopes the police will conduct thorough and impartial investigations of candidates and politicians from all parties and colors, basing actions on factual evidence and prosecuting anyone involved fully.
Mr. Natthapong stressed that as soon as the party learned of this case, it acted swiftly and transparently. The party had received genuine complaints before, tried sending representatives to investigate and checked criminal records, but could not access deeper evidence like the police. When questioned, Mr. Ratchapong denied involvement. The party is awaiting clear evidence; if proof emerges confirming involvement, the party will take decisive action immediately.
Mr. Natthapong acknowledged that such news during the election campaign affects the party, but the People's Party never ignores such cases. Criminal record checks are routinely requested for candidates. Regarding this being the second such case involving the party, Mr. Natthapong said internal checks are ongoing daily, though the party lacks the tools of the executive branch. He again called on authorities to thoroughly investigate everyone without discrimination.