Outgoing Labour Minister Phaithoon Kaeothong has been approached by veteran politicians to form a new political party following his removal from the Cabinet, a source close to him said yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart and Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Pataraprasit called Phaithoon to offer him moral support following news he would be replaced in the upcoming Cabinet shake-up, according to the source.
Both Sanan, chief adviser to the coalition Chart Thai Pattana Party, and Pradit, now a key figure in the coalition Ruam Chart Pattana Party, were previously with the Democrat Party.
Phaithoon is a member of the ruling Democrat Party's advisory council, which is headed by former party leader Chuan Leekpai. Phaithoon has been a multi-time Democrat MP and is considered a leading party campaigner in the North.
The source said that Sanan persuaded Phaithoon to co-found a new political party consisting of politicians from northern provinces to contest the next general election. However, Phaithoon has yet to give an answer.
His son, Democrat MP for Phichit, Narapat Kaeothong, said Phaithoon had not made up his mind whether to stay with the Democrat Party in the next election. "It's a matter for the future."
The young MP said his father was "puzzled" on learning he was to be removed from the Cabinet. He said Phaithoon would not have been so disappointed if he had been notified in advance.
Narapat confirmed yesterday that Sanan and Pradit had called his father, but he declined to discuss any details.