Bangkok: Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, alongside fellow members of the Prachachon Party, appeared in court to face a lawsuit brought against them by a major energy company, amounting to over 300 million baht. The lawsuit follows their vocal criticisms regarding Thailand's electricity tariffs, which they attribute to the policy missteps of previous governments.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Natthaphong, the leader of the Prachachon Party, and his colleagues Mr. Woraphop Wiriyaroj and Mr. Supachai Chaisaj, both party-list MPs, attended the preliminary court hearing. Despite the lawsuit, they have unequivocally asserted their commitment to serving the public interest, emphasizing their readiness to engage fully in the legal process.
After the court appearance, Mr. Natthaphong remarked that the preliminary hearing is ongoing, with the plaintiff expected to present additional witnesses. The court has scheduled a continuation of the hearing for October 27, 2025. He expressed confidence that the legal system will deliver a fair outcome, regardless of the case's result.
Mr. Natthaphong also highlighted past occurrences where parliamentary debates by MPs led to legal challenges, though he chose not to delve into specifics. The current lawsuit stems from a press conference and parliamentary debates that he and his colleagues held, which they insist were conducted with the public's best interests at heart.
The MPs reiterated their dedication to their duties, assuring that they have no reservations about the legal proceedings. They stressed their intention to uphold their responsibilities and advocate for the public, irrespective of the lawsuit's implications.
While questions have arisen regarding whether the lawsuit is intended to suppress dissent, Mr. Natthaphong refrained from offering an opinion. He encouraged the public and the media to draw their own conclusions while he continues to communicate transparently and truthfully with the public.