Thammanat and 20 MPs Realign with Klatham Party

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Picture courtesy: Thai RAth

 

Former Palang Pracharath heavyweight, Thammanat Prompao, and his faction of 20 MPs are creating ripples in Thai politics as they transition to the Klatham party, shifting the dynamics within the current Pheu Thai-led coalition government. The strategic move, confirmed by party insiders, will see these lawmakers formally align with Klatham under the restless political waters of Thailand.

 

Thammanat, who once held the position of secretary-general within the Palang Pracharath Party, recently parted ways with the group led by ex-deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

 

This departure paves the way for new political alliances and strategies, with Thammanat’s team rallying behind the Klatham party, steered by Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat.

 

Narumon, known for her close associations with both Thammanat and Prawit, is poised to remain as the leader of Klatham, a crucial player in Thailand’s coalition framework. Meanwhile, Thammanat is expected to take on the role of chief advisor to the party, and MP Pai Lick is likely to be appointed as the secretary-general.

 

This realignment is ostensibly driven by Thammanat’s desire to reinforce support for the Pheu Thai Party, Thailand's largest coalition member, amid speculations of influence from prominent political figure Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin is considered a de facto leader of Pheu Thai, despite his well-known exile.

The defection from Palang Pracharath follows a critical political rupture earlier in the year. In August, 39 Palang Pracharath MPs had supported Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as a prime ministerial candidate following the impeachment of Srettha Thavisin.

 

However, only Thammanat’s group of 20 MPs were reportedly manoeuvred by Thaksin to actively align with Pheu Thai, leaving their former colleagues in opposition territory.

 

Prawit’s absence from the parliamentary sessions during the pivotal nomination also hints at broader divisions within the opposition ranks.

 

Moreover, Thaksin’s recent, albeit vague, accusations have fueled speculation, implying Prawit’s covert involvement with senators to initially elevate Srettha, which climaxed in political turmoil leading to his impeachment on misconduct charges.

 

This realignment presents a crucial chapter in contemporary Thai politics and raises questions about future coalition stability and allegiance shifts. It's a shifting terrain where alliances could redefine governmental landscapes and policy directions, carrying implications beyond partisan rivalries to broader governance and policy execution in Thailand, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2024-12-19