20 expelled PPRP MPs to join Thailand’s Kla Party
Narumon Pinyosinwat, leader of the Kla Party, announced that the 20 MPs recently expelled from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) are set to join her party soon. The confirmation came following their ejection last week due to their association with Thamanat Prompow, a former influential figure in the PPRP.
Thamanat is anticipated to take on a significant role within the Kla Party, though Narumon did not specify if reports of him being named the chief adviser were accurate. Similarly, speculation regarding Pai Leeke, a former PPRP MP from Kamphaeng Phet, assuming the role of Kla Dharma’s secretary-general remains unconfirmed.
The expulsion of the 20 MPs from the PPRP was a result of their close connection with Thamanat, who experienced a rift with PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon. Efforts are underway with the Election Commission (EC) to officially register these MPs as members of the Kla Party by the year’s end.
EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee responded to Narumon’s comments, stating that the commission is awaiting the minutes from the PPRP meeting, which led to the MPs’ expulsion. According to Sawaeng, if three-quarters of the party’s executives voted for their expulsion, their membership would have ended immediately after the motion was passed.
“In that case, these MPs are free to join a new party.”
Although the Kla Party informed the EC that the MPs had already signed up with the party, the formal submission of a written statement confirming the transfer was anticipated by yesterday, December 17. As of the latest update, it was unclear if this documentation had been submitted, reported Bangkok Post.
The unfolding political developments highlight the dynamic shifts within Thailand’s political landscape, as parties realign and redefine their memberships and leadership roles. With the 20 MPs poised to join the Kla Party, the party is set to experience a significant transformation in its composition and influence.