BANGKOK, Thailand – Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, has called on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to reconsider the participation of a privy councilor in a recent disaster management board meeting, arguing it may conflict with core principles of democratic governance. Speaking at Parliament on May 21, he said executive authority must remain fully accountable for public policy decisions and should not involve non-executive figures in direct decision-making processes, as this could blur responsibility if policy outcomes become controversial or problematic.
He noted that while similar practices have existed under previous administrations, precedent should not override governance principles if it leads to unclear accountability. He stressed that the executive branch must ensure transparent decision-making and clearly defined responsibility.
Natthaphong also raised concerns over public perception, saying such participation could create ambiguity about who is responsible for policy decisions. He reiterated that the prime minister, as head of government, must bear full responsibility for all executive actions. When asked whether a People’s Party-led government would maintain similar arrangements, he said roles would be clearly defined to avoid overlap between advisory and executive functions, emphasizing that decision-making authority must remain within the government. He added that practices inconsistent with democratic principles should not continue simply because they existed in the past, and said elected representatives have a duty to raise concerns even on sensitive institutional matters.
