The Thamma Thippatai group led by Somkid Jatusripitak will today announce its plan to form a new political party, to be called Ruam Jai Thai (Thai Unity). 

Pimol Sriwikorn, co-founder of the group, yesterday told The Nation the Thamma Thippatai would discuss the organisation of the new party and analyse the current political situation.

"It will be just a normal meeting of our group since we formed the Thamma Thippatai. We are not naming the new party yet because of the junta's announcement No 15, which has banned political party-related activities and the registration of new parties," he said.

Pimol said he, along with Suranan Vejjajiva and Somkid, would only be "advisers" to the new party because they are banned from politics.

Group member Surachai Danaitangtrakoon said that after Somkid was banned from politics following the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party, the group has continued its activities under the Thamma Thippatai.

The group has brought together "well-known people" from various fields to form a political party, he said.

According to Surachai, former Bangkok governor Bhichit Rattakul, former Mahachon Party leader Anek Laothammatas, former Democrat Party secretary-general Pradit Pattaraprasit, Chaianan Samudavanija, a staunch critic of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and economics lecturer Somjai Phagaphasvivat were the new party executives.

A source said Chaianan had named the party Ruam Jai Thai, but the Matchima group led by Somsak Thepsuthin, and Somkid, had conflicting ideas.

"Somkid wants the party to belong to young politicians and doesn't want the military involved, unlike the Matchima, which seems happy to accept the conditions of the military."