Two factions to quit Thai Rak Thai
The Thai Rak Thai yesterday publicly acknowledged that two factions were set to leave soon and blamed fears that the party could eventually be dissolved for driving away many former MPs.
Speaking at a press conference at Thai Rak Thai headquarters, caretaker party executive Chamlong Krutkhunthod said it was normal for coup-makers to attempt to weaken political parties but that it appeared the makers of the September 19 coup had chosen also to dissolve some parties.Chamlong said that although no resignations had been submitted, the factions led by Suwat Liptapanlop and Pinij Charusombat were set to leave the party soon. He said even though the two groups were not among the founders of the party, and their small numbers meant their departure would have little impact on the party, it was still emotional wrenching for him and others remaining. "We worked together when the party was facing trouble. We want them to stay with us. However, we understand the situation is forcing them to go that way. The party won't blame them, and we wish them all the luck," he said. The party has 228 former MPs at present, and the departure of the two groups will result in only a small reduction, said Chamlong. He said the party's key members would from now on visit people in constituencies it won in previous elections and seek new candidates for the next election to replace those about to leave. Thai Rak Thai spokesman Sita Divari blamed the resignations on the junta, which he said was planning to have the party dissolved.
|
