Klatham party to leave opposition after 2027 budget vote

The Klatham party, led by former agriculture and cooperatives minister Thammanat Prompao, is to be formally removed from the People's-led opposition bloc on September 23 after its MPs backed the Bhumjaithai-led government's 2027 budget legislation.

Parit Wacharasindhu, a People's MP and chief opposition whip, confirmed on September 22 that Klatham would be cut off from the bloc following its yea vote on the budget bill. The party has been seen as taking an increasingly unpredictable position while appearing supportive of the government.

Possible shift to government benches

Klatham spokesperson Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the party would almost certainly have no difficulty with its removal from the opposition grouping in parliament.

The move comes amid speculation that Thammanat's camp could join the Bhumjaithai-led coalition at any time. If that happens, the government would gain 58 MPs from Klatham.

The current coalition is made up of 192 Bhumjaithai MPs and 74 Pheu Thai MPs, which Thai Newsroom said are directed behind the scenes by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, alongside dozens of MPs from smaller parties. Together, the government has 349 MPs out of Thailand's 500 elected lawmakers.

Bhumjaithai is led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, while Newin Chidchob is widely described as the party's de facto boss.

Election inquiry allegations

Thai Newsroom linked the prospect of Klatham joining the coalition to developments in an Election Commission inquiry into alleged manipulation of the 2024 Senate election.

According to the report, several people personally close to Thammanat changed earlier statements given to an EC subcommittee. It said this may have led a majority of commissioners to clear Bhumjaithai figures, including Anutin and Newin, as well as cabinet members, MPs and others, of possible prosecution at the Supreme Court over the alleged conspiracy.

Those said to have changed their accounts included Thammanat's father-in-law, Senator Khajornsak Sriwirat, and former Bhumjaithai MP Ekarat Changlao.

Picture courtesy of TNR

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23 September 2026