People’s Party Apologises After Candidate Arrested for Drug Trafficking

Photo via Facebook/ สถานีตำรวจนครบาลมีนบุรี

The People’s Party has issued a public apology following the arrest of one of its members, who is a candidate in the imminent Samut Prakan Municipal Council election, on charges of drug trafficking. The incident occurred on 7th May when Min Buri Police Station officers executed a crackdown on the Boon Raksa drug trafficking gang, apprehending four suspects and seizing a substantial stash of narcotics.

Among those arrested were 27-year-old Apiwat, 36-year-old Panupong, 34-year-old Sarayut, and 33-year-old Suthee. Notably, Panupong was running as a candidate for the Samut Prakan municipal council election representing the People’s Party.

The seized narcotics included 480,000 methamphetamine pills (Yaba), 1,089 grammes of crystal meth, and 1,000 grammes of ketamine. Collectively, the suspects face severe charges of jointly distributing categories of 1 and 2 narcotics. These charges under the Narcotics Act carry potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching two million baht.

The dramatic arrest drew public attention when a Facebook page, titled "วันนี้พรรคส้มโกหกอะไร" (translating to “What did the Orange Party lie about today?”), shared the news, spurring widespread criticism. In response, the official People’s Party Facebook page in Samut Prakan released an apologetic statement.

The statement expressed the party's regret over the serious nature of the charges and indicated that Panupong would need to withdraw from the election to allow due legal processes to unfold. Although the party has not expelled Panupong at this stage, it clarified that his membership would be revoked if he is found guilty in court.

This response, however, has not quashed concerns about the candidate vetting process, with some social media users calling for heightened accountability from party leader Natthaphong “Teng” Ruengpanyawut. Despite this, others within the party's base have lauded the transparency and accountability demonstrated by the People's Party in addressing the issue.

This scandal adds to the string of controversies plaguing the party. Previous instances include allegations of sexual assault against former MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit and former member Nateepat Kulsetthasith's drink-driving scandal, both of which have challenged the party's image and integrity in the public eye.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-08