People’s Party ready to lead opposition bloc, work with other parties

The People’s Party is ready to work with other opposition parties through existing mechanisms, according to its leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, noting that they do not have to share a common stance or working style.

Natthaphong, who is tipped to become opposition leader as his party won the most votes among those likely to occupy the opposition benches — the Democrats and Kla Tham — was speaking after leading 118 newly elected MPs to register at parliament today.

One MP had registered earlier, while another, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, who represents Bangkok’s Constituency 33, will complete the process on Monday due to other commitments.

The MPs travelled together in three buses from the party’s headquarters. Most wore white T-shirts printed with the word “Prachachon” (People) in black and carried envelopes containing their registration documents.

Natthaphong said there was no need to adjust working processes with other opposition parties because the opposition whip mechanism already exists. Opposition parties do not necessarily have to share the same positions or working styles, he said, and can still cooperate in scrutinising the government in parliament.

The appointment of the opposition leader will take place after several more formal steps, including the election of the House speaker and the vote for the prime minister and Cabinet.

The opposition whip can only be formally established after the appointment of the opposition leader, he said.

Referring to a legal case involving 44 of his party’s MPs, including himself, that has the potential to affect the position of the opposition leader, Natthaphong maintained that his MPs had acted properly in performing their duties when proposing amendments to legislation.

He said the party’s MPs will meet this week to discuss possible scenarios, including the worst-case scenario in which some members might be suspended from MP duties, and how the party will ensure parliamentary work continues without disruption.

Responding to criticism that his party had complained about irregularities in the election while still registering its MPs, Natthaphong said the party had consistently called for elections to be transparent, fair and credible.

The People’s Party has accepted the election results and is registering its MPs to confirm its readiness to perform parliamentary duties, while the process of examining election complaints should proceed in parallel, he said.

Meanwhile, the party’s supporters gathered outside parliament to welcome them, holding signs reading: “Sending encouragement to all People’s Party MPs — our love and trust remain unchanged.”

The MPs received flowers and encouragement from supporters before walking together into the parliament complex.

After the interview, supporters presented Natthaphong with flowers and a box of oranges as a gesture of goodwill.