Talk of offers of "provincial development funds" for opposition MPs in exchange for their allegiance has been around since the Bhum Jai Thai Party was established, shortly before the coalition government came into existence in late 2008.
Two MPs from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, Natee Suthinphuak - a former veteran actor whose career name is "Krung Sriwilai" - and Jiraphan Limsakulsirirat, who both represent Samut Prakan province, have agreed to defect to Bhum Jai Thai. They met earlier with Newin and Anutin Chanvirakul, another key figure from the coalition party. The Pheu Thai MPs were rumoured to have been offered Bt80 million for both of them to change their allegiance.
This caused Jatuporn Promphan, the Pheu Thai MP and key leader of the red shirt movement, to publicly assail what he described as an effort to lure MPs away the party with financial offers.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva joined in a debate over the issue. He said provincial development funds allocated to MPs should not be abused for political benefit. The premier also said that he had talked to Bhum Jai Thai figures about the matter and warned that such practice could lead to conflict among MPs.
Bhum Jai Thai has become a target for political attack once again, but that has not discouraged the party from attempting to draw more incumbent MPs.
Newin got upset recently because only six opposition MPs voted in support of the government's 2011 Budget Bill, although more than 10 of them were reportedly approached. The veteran politician, who had his electoral rights stripped by a court for five years, was reportedly so angry he announced Bhum Jai Thai would not open its door to opposition MPs who "change their minds" and opted not to vote in support of the budget bill.
The Pheu Thai Party, a major target for rivals keen to "poach" MPs, has also seen internal problems caused by the political uncertainties surrounding fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and the influence of his siblings over the party.
Pheu Thai MPs and key figures have agreed the party must undergo changes, beginning with keeping the big boss's brother Payap Shinawatra and his sister Yaowapa Wongsawat out of the inner circle of power. The siblings are not party MPs but they have retained much influence within Pheu Thai.
A key Pheu Thai figure said that managing the party like a family business had caused rifts and infighting, as MPs were struggling to win favours from Thaksin and his siblings.
A proposed new management structure calls for an executive committee that excludes Thaksin's siblings decision-making in regard to the party.
A party source said many Pheu Thai MPs were waiting to see the outcome of the changes and prepared to defect to other parties if the current set-up wasn't improved.
The source said some 20 northeastern MPs from Pheu Thai were ready to join Puea Pandin or Chart Thai Pattana Party. A smaller number would join Bhum Jai Thai because the coalition party also has candidates in their constituencies. However, none of Pheu Thai's prospective defectors would join the ruling Democrat Party due to its unpopularity among voters in the Northeast.
Intense bargaining can be expected ahead of the next general election as political parties will try to attract incumbent MPs with financial offers - something not unusual in Thai politics. However, it appears Bhum Jai Thai is not the sole destination despite its strong desire.