PIcture courtesy of Thai Rath

In a surprising turn, the People’s Party continues to enjoy robust public support despite recent controversies involving their candidates. An online poll conducted by The Standard on 15 January, surveying 6,680 respondents, revealed that 82% still have confidence in the People’s Party. This comes in the wake of arrests of two candidates accused of involvement in illegal online gambling and money laundering.

The poll highlights the public's loyalty to the People’s Party, led by Nattapong Ruengpanyawut, who is running for prime minister in the upcoming election on 8 February. Despite charges against former MP Ratchapong Soisuwan and candidate Boonrit Raoroongroj, only 14% of respondents expressed loss of confidence, while 4% remain undecided. Soisuwan's arrest and Raoroongroj’s withdrawal from the race have not significantly swayed the party's support base.

Ex-People’s MP Rangsiman Rome, also seeking re-election, challenged rival parties like Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai to clarify their stance on potential post-election alliances, particularly with the Klatham party. The latter faces scrutiny due to alleged connections with suspect Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith. Rangsiman urged a unified stance among parties against “grey” elements and called for denying Klatham a role in a future coalition government.

So far, there has been no definitive response from major political parties regarding Rangsiman's challenge. The situation continues to unfold as the election draws nearer, with the People’s Party maintaining a notable level of public confidence, reported Thai Newsroom.

Key Takeaways:

• An online poll shows 82% still trust the People’s Party despite scandals.

• Arrests involve ex-MP Ratchapong Soisuwan and candidate Boonrit Raoroongroj.

• Major parties have yet to address potential alliances with Klatham.

Related Story:

People's Party Candidate Arrested for Money-Laundering

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2026-01-16

 

 

People's Party candidate for PM is Natthaphong Rueangpanyawut. He is 39 years old which would make him Thailand's youngest prime minister.

In 2018, Natthaphong joined the Future Forward Party and the entered politics the following year and was elected to the House of Representatives for Bangkok's 28th Constituency (Bang Khae) in the 2019 general election.

In 2020, Natthaphong joined the Move Forward Party after the Future Forward Party was dissolved by the Constitutional Court. In 2023, he was re-elected to the House of Representatives as a party-list MP in the general election. In April 2024, Natthaphong served on a Move Forward Party seminar for the digital wallet scheme proposed by then–Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, where Natthaphong raised doubts the readiness of the Tang Rat app. In August of the same year, the Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party and Natthaphong joined the People's Party and was chosen as party leader on 9 August.

There is some opposition to the People's Party by Thais exiled by 112. They want a more hardline approach as this is dragging on for decades. 112 certainly does benefit our monarch or protect our King in any way. LM is politicians posturing to appear to be more-loyal-than-thou. It remains a highly-controversial issue. LM prisoner, Netiporn 'Bung" Sanesangkhom, 28, died after a 109-day hunger strike in 2024 to protest her arbitray detention.

Bung

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) track prosecutions, showing hundreds charged with lèse-majesté (Article 112) since 2020 protests, with figures around 270-280 individuals facing charges as of late 2024, part of thousands facing broader political charges, highlighting a significant rise in cases under the strict law. 

Key Figures & Trends (from TLHR sources):

• Total Prosecuted (Political): Over 1,950 people faced political charges, including lèse-majesté, between July 2020 and September 2024.

• Lèse-Majesté (Section 112) Cases: At least 274 individuals were charged under Section 112 by September 2024, across 307 cases.

• Children Involved: Many cases involve children and youth, with some prosecuted under lèse-majesté.

• Ongoing Enforcement: prosecutions have continued, with new individuals charged even in 2024. 

Hope they win again - with a majority but let's see if allowed this time! The old school so scared of them - charges here, allegations there

23 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

There is some opposition to the People's Party by Thais exiled by 112. They want a more hardline approach as this is dragging on for decades.

One step at a time. Keep the more controversial stuff up their sleeves. As for those opposing on the grounds of not being hardline enough on 112, there's no better alternative. I think, and I might be wrong but I doubt it, the majority of Thais would like to see some reform to Article 112 of the Criminal Code.

PP would be lucky if they get to be in the next coalition government. My guess is they will remain in opposition.

PT have already said they would be happy to form a coalition with the PP.

On 1/17/2026 at 12:57 AM, phil2407 said:

Hope they win again - with a majority but let's see if allowed this time! The old school so scared of them - charges here, allegations there

Seems the old school keeps replenishing its ranks as time ticks by.

They continue to block progress.

The Pheu Thai Party intends to create tens of thousands of new millionaires if it forms a government after the Feb 8 election, prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat said on Saturday.

Addressing a campaign rally in Kuchinarai district of Kalasin province, he outlined a “Nine New Millionaires a Day” policy, describing it as part of a large-scale economic data initiative aimed at bringing Thailand’s vast

informal economy into the tax system.

The party proposes to award nine daily prizes of one million baht each through draws. Four prizes a day would be earmarked for four groups: farmers, senior citizens, public service volunteers, and people who file personal income tax.

Bangkok Post - Pheu Thai promises ‘9 millionaires a day’

This will gain a lot of votes, imo. Blatant vote buying though, surely?

Good to see Pita has returned to lead the campaign in Bangkok for the PP.

On 1/17/2026 at 5:57 AM, phil2407 said:

The old school so scared of them - charges here, allegations there

The sad thing is, some of those charges could be fabricated, along with the evidence that convicts certain individuals.

That would basically mean they are in fact political prisoners, not criminals, in order to silence them and mislead the public.