Democrat defections: Thailand’s oldest party faces existential crisis as election looms

[webfact]

 

The coalition Democrat Party has seen several high-profile defections over recent weeks, as politicians prepare for the next general election.

 

In fact, the phenomenon dubbed “Democrat bleeding” by the media began three years ago when Thailand’s oldest political party suffered a humiliating loss in the March 2019 general election.

 

More than 20 well-known figures – including political veterans and heavyweights — sought greener pastures, either setting up a new party, defecting to an established coalition or opposition party, or joining a freshly founded one.

 

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The leavers include former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij, former foreign minister Kasit Piromya, former justice minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former social development, and human security minister Witoon Nambutr, former culture minister Nipit Intarasombat, former university affairs minister Thawil Praisont, former deputy PM Kobsak Sabhavasu, Warong Dechgitvigrom, and Atavit Suwannapakdee.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/democrat-defections-thailands-oldest-party-faces-existential-crisis-as-election-looms/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-25

 

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[Will B Good]

The coalition Democrat Party has seen several high-profile defections over recent weeks, as politicians prepare their bank accounts for the next general election.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, Will B Good said:

The coalition Democrat Party has seen several high-profile defections over recent weeks, as politicians prepare their bank accounts for the next general election.

Trough hunters.

[candide]

The Dem party is "stuck in the middle". Not democratic enough as it supported the coup, but also not yellow enough compared to the PPP.

[kingstonkid]

The old guard needs to look young and with it.  The rats are leaving the sinking ship.

 

Too bad the Shin family does not do the same.

[Caldera]

They've betrayed their name (democrats they're clearly not) and deserve to go extinct. Good riddance. 

[mikebell]

For there to be a Democrat Party, there should be Democracy; this is significantly absent in Thailand.

[tonray]

Since when have elections been of any concern to the powers that be in Thailand ?

[MarcelV]

Prayut and the PPP will sweep the next elections. Mark my words.