Bangkok: Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, a party-list MP from the People's Party, criticized the Thai government's policy statement during the first joint session of Parliament. He argued that the policy offers no hope and highlighted that the Bhumjaithai government holds absolute power, supported by five powerful political factions, with little intention to serve the public.

According to Thai News Agency, Natthapong's critique focused on the stability of the government, which he claimed holds power across the Senate, the House of Representatives, and various independent organizations. He described this power as being divided into five groups formed through coalition arrangements. He accused the second-largest coalition party of "selling their souls," asserting that they lack bargaining power against the dominant Bhumjaithai Party, which could replace them with opposition parties if necessary.

Natthapong outlined the five power groups, starting with political factions that shifted allegiance to the Bhumjaithai Party, which now dominates government composition. He claimed that the second-largest party cannot negotiate effectively with Bhumjaithai, which maintains parliamentary majority through potential alliances with opposition parties. The third group, other coalition parties, is seen as essential in maintaining power balance, while the fourth group comprises unelected parliamentarians and independent organizations acting as "joker cards" for the ruling party.

The fifth group includes influential individuals aiming to preserve the status quo, signaling their support for the Bhumjaithai Party before elections. As Natthapong spoke, Akradet Wongpithakroj from the Bhumjaithai Party protested, arguing that the discussion should focus strictly on points relevant to the policy statement. However, Speaker Sophon Saram allowed limited discussion on the five groups, maintaining meeting decorum.

Natthapong raised issues like the oil crisis and PM2.5 air pollution, suggesting that despite the government's stability, there is a lack of public confidence in its ability to address these crises effectively. He urged the government to leverage its absolute power for public benefit, emphasizing the need for determination and political courage.

In response, Julaphan Amornvivat from the Pheu Thai Party requested that Natthapong retract his statement about the coalition party "selling their souls," asserting that their participation was a constitutional and democratic process. The chairman ruled that the accusation was inappropriate, prompting Natthapong to amend his statement to "abandoning one's original stance," allowing the session to continue smoothly.