Faction members to remain with TRT
Most faction members within the Thai Rak Thai yesterday insisted they would not defect ahead of the next elections, while others kept quiet about their future.
The tentative scheduling of the next general election for October 22 unlocks MPs and party members from the 90-day rule. Members of the Wang Bua Ban, Wang Phayanak and Ban Rim Nam factions declared their loyalty to the ruling party. They will not defect because they are confident in the Thai Rak Thai's populist policies, they said. Banlue Prasertsopa, a Ban Rim Nam faction member, said he believed Thai Rak Thai policies can help solve people's problems. Phayao MP Aruni Chamnanya said that after speaking with her colleagues he believes no Thai Rak Thai MPs in the North and Northeast will switch camps. "I am not a politician who sells myself by party hopping. I will stick with Thai Rak Thai until I quit politics,'' she said. Wang Nam Yom faction member Banyin Tangpakorn said that even though MPs have enough time to change allegiance, most will not. "Not more than five [members] want to quit the party. Thai Rak Thai still is the best choice," he said. But, some Wang Nam Yen faction members kept silent over their futures. They will discuss the matter today at a party meeting. They said their decisions would be based on Thaksin Shinawatra's reaction. Other Wang Nam Yen faction members, such as Chalong Riewrang, a former Nonthaburi MP, said he would not defect. He does not want to be accused of "selling himself" and his canvassers have told him to stick with the party. Wang Nam Yom member Sophon Phetsawang said the people he represents still want a Thai Rak Thai government. However, he remains unsure about their preferences in the future. Meanwhile two founding members of Thai Rak Thai may defect to establish a new party. Thai Rak Thai Party party-list MP Likhit Theerawekin and former party-list MP Sarit Santimethaneedol may defect to a new political party. Sarit said he and Likhit would submit their resignations today and will soon join academics and politicians to establish their own party to map out political reform. He declined to comment on rumours Purachai Piumsombun would join the new party. Likhit confirmed he might not stay with the party. "I have long wanted to see real political reform. I believe that the Constitution we have is perfect. The flaws are caused by politicians,'' he said.
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