Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Around 50 politicians from Chumphon have defected from the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) to join Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party (BJT). The defection, which was formalized at the BJT headquarters on September 17, includes Chumphon MPs Chumpol Chulasai and Wichai Sudsawat, and Nopporn Usit, the Chumphon Provincial Administration Organisation president. Chumpol remarked that their decision stemmed from UTN's refusal to back Anutin as prime minister.

 

These MPs will lose their seats as a consequence of their movement to the BJT. Anutin recently secured the premiership with critical support from the People’s Party (PP), which provided 143 votes during the parliamentary ballot on September 5. This coalition agreement demands Anutin to dissolve the House within four months, avoid forming a majority government, and support constitutional reform.

 

Earlier, 16 other UTN MPs, led by Suchart Chomklin, also switched sides to support Anutin, highlighting growing disarray in the UTN and strengthening BJT's position. Anutin assumed office after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed for ethical breaches linked to a controversial phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The latest political maneuvering in Chumphon signifies increased stability for Anutin's coalition, albeit under strict conditions outlined by PP.

 

Speculation arises over Anutin's ability to maintain control under these constraints, despite the enhanced support base. Analysts suggest that the political shift in Chumphon might be a temporary stabilizer, yet caution about the longevity of Anutin’s governance within these limitations. The evolving political landscape points towards a pivotal period for Thai politics, with potential further repercussions.

 

Key Takeaways

• Around 50 politicians from Chumphon defect from UTN to BJT.
• The switch strengthens Anutin’s fragile coalition but poses challenges.
• UTN's internal conflicts deepen with increasing defections.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-18

 

 

It's all about the joining bonus.

It just confirms that BJT is becoming the political arm of the yellow-green network.

 

It's over for Dems who used to play this role, and the pro-Junta parties failed, so BJT is the only remaining option.