Wan Yubamrung joins Palang Pracharath after Pheu Thai fallout

Wan Yubamrung, who resigned from the Pheu Thai party last week, officially joined the Palang Pracharath Party today and was warmly received by its leader, Prawit Wongsuwan.

“I was invited by several members from other political parties but I chose Prawit’s party.”

Wan, the son of outspoken Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yubamrung, made headlines when he left Pheu Thai following criticism from its leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The controversy stemmed from Wan’s visit to Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit Toopkrachang, a rival candidate in the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation’s mayoral election, where Pheu Thai’s candidate, Charn Puangpetch, narrowly triumphed.

Wan defended his actions.

“My family is very close to Kamronwit and I visited him only after the election results were known.”

Adding fuel to the political fire, Wan called on Pheu Thai to dismiss his father, Chalerm, allowing him to also join Palang Pracharath. According to election rules, an MP dismissed from their party can join a new party within a month without losing their MP status, whereas a resignation results in immediate loss of MP status, reported Thai PBS World.

“Pheu Thai can dismiss my father because, on that day, Chalerm was also at Kamronwit’s place.”

UPDATE: Pheu Thai Party retains Chalerm Ubumrung

Pheu Thai Party will not expel list MP Chalerm Ubumrung, according to the party’s secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong. Chalerm had expressed a desire to be expelled to freely join the Palang Prarachrath Party (PPRP), following his son Wan’s recent resignation from Pheu Thai. Wan’s departure came after he caused discontent within the party by interacting with a rival during an election in Pathum Thani.

Sorawong clarified yesterday, July 21, that expulsion requires a breach of party rules determined by an ethics committee, which has found no such breach in Chalerm’s case. Chalerm is a valuable member, and the party has no intention of losing him, he mentioned.

Should Chalerm resign, he would forfeit his parliamentary status. However, if expelled, he could retain his status by joining another party within the legally allowed timeframe.

During a Facebook Live session, Wan refuted claims that his son, Archawin, would join him and Chalerm in moving to the PPRP. He confirmed that Archawin remains a Pheu Thai member and serves as an adviser to Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. Wan plans to apply for PPRP membership tomorrow, while Chalerm is awaiting a party process to impeach him.

“My son is 27 years old. Let him decide his own career path. Things about a father, grandfather, and nephew should be taken separately.”

Sorawong also remarked that the party respects Wan’s decision to leave and wishes him well. He highlighted that another member of the Ubumrung family, Archawin, remains with Pheu Thai, reported Bangkok Post.

ORIGINAL STORY: Public health vice minister’s sudden exit from Pheu Thai Party

Wan Yubamrung, the vice minister attached to the public health minister, announced his resignation today. He is set to leave the Pheu Thai Party next week.

Wan, the son of outspoken veteran Pheu Thai Party member Chalerm Yubamrung, revealed his decision in an emotional Facebook Live post.

“I had never thought about leaving the Pheu Thai Party, as long as the party cares about me and gives me opportunities. But if one day, the Pheu Thai Party loves me no more and does not give me opportunities, I will have to leave.”

Wan expressed his disbelief that this day had come so soon.

Reflecting on his political journey, he mentioned his past membership in the now-defunct Palang Prachachon Party, the predecessor to Pheu Thai.

While Wan chose to keep many thoughts to himself, he hinted at potential revelations.

“There are a lot of things I would like to talk about, but I will reveal all if and when I have the need.”

He also recalled stepping forward to defend the party in the past, often facing reprisals as a result.

In a respectful nod to the party’s notable figures, Wan claimed he still holds respect for paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his ex-wife Khunying Potjaman Damapong, former Prime Minister Yingluck, current Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn, and other key members, reported Thai PBS World.

“Our two families have been close to each other for a long time, but times have changed, so other things have changed as well.”