Bangkok: Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, expressed gratitude towards the media for coining the nickname "The Grey Worm's Nest" for the House of Representatives, reflecting the institution's operations during the election period. He proposed that all political parties adopt a "No Gray" campaign as part of their agenda and encouraged public endorsement of the new constitution in the upcoming referendum.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong addressed the nickname given to the parliament by the parliamentary press corps, emphasizing its significance in highlighting the current state of political affairs. He voiced concerns over the influence of a "grey capital" network that extends beyond the stock market to political figures and those in power. He warned that if this network gains control of the House of Representatives, it could result in a political deadlock in Thailand. Mr. Nattapong urged that the "No Gray" campaign become a central issue for all political parties, not just those aligned with the People's Party.
When questioned about his view on the nickname's reflection of MPs' overall performance, Mr. Nattapong refrained from commenting directly. Instead, he expressed appreciation for the creation of the nickname and emphasized the importance of public discourse on parliamentary activities and elections.
Mr. Nattapong also addressed the "Quote of the Year," which states, "We elected Anutin not to govern the country, but to dissolve parliament." He explained that the People's Party had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with two main conditions: the dissolution of parliament and the initiation of a new constitution's drafting. He mentioned that at least one referendum question would be presented alongside the election, with a campaign aimed at garnering public support for the new constitution's drafting process.
Furthermore, Mr. Nattapong discussed the People's Party's support for Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister, describing it as a landmark moment in Thai political history. He clarified that the party's goal was to overcome national limitations, and the initial referendum question, which coincides with the election, would be pivotal in addressing Thailand's challenges. He concluded by highlighting the significance of these events in the current political landscape.