People’s Party withdraws support for arrested Tak candidate

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut announced today that the party will not protect one of its election candidates, Ratchapong Soisuwan, who was running in Constituency 2 in Tak province, after he was arrested by cybercrime suppression officers for alleged involvement in online gambling operations.

Natthaphong said the party learned of Ratchapong’s arrest and reaffirmed its strict policy against all forms of “grey” business and criminal activity, including corruption, human and drug trafficking, scams, and online gambling.

He said the suspect would face justice and that the party would not intervene on his behalf.

The People’s Party leader added that the party had previously received complaints against Ratchapong, though none related to alleged online gambling activities.

He insisted that the party has screening mechanisms for election candidates, including access to criminal records, but acknowledged limitations in accessing certain information.

Natthaphong admitted that Ratchapong’s arrest has deprived the party of an opportunity to win the election in Tak province, as it is unable to find a replacement candidate in time.

On December 29, another People’s Party candidate, Boonyarit Raorungrot, who was contesting Bangkok’s Constituency 33, was arrested for alleged involvement in money laundering. He was subsequently replaced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn.