Bangkok: Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, affirmed the Kla Tham Party's preparedness to contest in the upcoming election while choosing to sidestep inquiries about the possibility of Parliament's dissolution by the Prime Minister. Thammanat emphasized his focus on work over political speculation and dismissed calls for his removal as a routine aspect of political life.
According to Thai News Agency, Thammanat confirmed that the Kla Tham Party has already fielded candidates for all 400 constituencies, including individuals from other political parties. He noted that these candidates are experienced MPs with the potential for re-election in future terms. Although he did not provide an estimate of the number of seats the party might win, Thammanat expressed confidence in their readiness for the electoral battle.
When questioned about the Prime Minister's suggestion of a potential premature dissolution of Parliament in response to a no-confidence motion from the opposition, Thammanat remarked, "I don't see it at all. I'm just working." He detailed his travel plans across various southern provinces, emphasizing his commitment to addressing local issues rather than engaging in political maneuvering.
Thammanat outlined his itinerary, which includes visits to Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Phatthalung, Satun, and Trang, focusing on resolving the challenges faced by residents. He reiterated his dedication to prioritizing the needs of citizens over political gamesmanship, stating, "If we play politics too much and forget the suffering of our fellow citizens, I'll just keep my head down and work without responding."
Additionally, Thammanat announced plans to visit China on November 11th to promote agricultural exports, including bird's nests, poultry, and honey. He highlighted the significance of securing a trading channel for these products and expressed optimism about signing a sales contract.
Addressing the calls for his removal by Rangsiman Rome, a People's Party MP, Thammanat downplayed the issue, attributing it to standard political dynamics. He acknowledged the opposition's efforts to gain visibility and reiterated the importance of distinguishing between different types of illegal activities, such as scams and money laundering. Thammanat mentioned a recent discussion with the Prime Minister, underscoring the government's commitment to combating scammer gangs in Thailand.