By the next general election, a new power clique, comprising nine individuals, might emerge to change the political landscapte, Bhum Jai Thai MP Prajak Klawgraharn said on Wednesday.
Of the nine, eight share the same initial S and one is identified as a special S, Prajak said, revealing the clique includes former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
He refused to confirm or deny if Somkid might team up with his party, saying it is a matter to be decided in the future.
He said the nine individuals could become an invincible force in politics if they would unite together, hinting that the nine were still considering their options since many had to await the expiry of the five-year ban for holding office.
In his earlier interview given on Tuesday, he denied rumuour that his party was preparing to pay Bt5 million for each MP seeking reelection bid under its banner.
Commenting on the projection of votes, he said Pheu Thai has enjoyed the highest popularity in the Northeast due to the red-shirt movement. But his party has a strong chance of securing some 40 House seats from the region with a total of 136 House seats, he added.
He conceded, however, that his party might only win about two House seats from Khon Kaen, seen as his stronghold.
He ruled out an early poll, arguing the government would serve out its term. Depending on the election outcome, the composition of the next coalition remains in a state of flux, he said, declining to comment whether his party could or would form an alliance with Pheu Thai.
He also voiced concern that the coalition parties would fight a heated campaign among themselves to vie for seats from the Central Region.
The Nation