Deepening divisions within the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) have come to light as tensions rise among senior leaders. A significant escalation occurred when a prominent member criticized Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for his governmental performance, highlighting growing rifts in the party.
The PPRP finds itself sharply divided, with party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon at the helm of one faction, while party secretary-general and Caretaker Agriculture Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow leads the opposing side.
Samat Jenchaijitwanich, a former vice minister for justice, faces potential expulsion from the PPRP amid ongoing conflicts with Capt Thamanat. Observers noted Capt Thamanat’s discontent following the fallout between Wan Ubumrung and the ruling Pheu Thai Party at the end of June, which culminated in Wan’s departure to PPRP, orchestrated by Mr. Samat.
There are concerns that welcoming Wan into the PPRP undermined Capt Thamanat’s authority, leading to fears of internal strife and a possible break from the coalition altogether.
In a related development, Pol Capt Chalerm Ubumrung, a veteran politician and Wan’s father, has called for the Pheu Thai Party to expel him as a show of consistency in handling party discipline.
Reports suggest that Capt Thamanat maintains connections with Thaksin Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai patriarch, leading to speculation that tensions between Pheu Thai and the PPRP are escalating to a breaking point, with potential plans to replace PPRP with the Democrat Party in the coalition.
Speculation is mounting that Capt Thamanat’s faction could soon be expelled from the PPRP, especially following recent events where Pheu Thai decisively moved to oust the party from the coalition. Gen Prawit’s declining influence has raised alarms among party loyalists who may soon seek alternative political avenues.
The ongoing political turmoil could signify the end of an era for Gen Prawit and his faction within the PPRP, as divisions deepen and loyal MPs appear ready to pursue their own objectives.
Political Shifts Foreseen in Thailand
PPRP Leadership Faces Uncertain Future
Among the remaining “Por” generals in Thai politics, Gen Prawit has been the only figure to maintain a political presence following last year’s general election. The PPRP, currently holding 40 House seats, has witnessed significant shifts in its standing as ruling coalitions pivot away from its influence.
The Pheu Thai Party has expressed dissatisfaction over Gen Prawit’s lack of attendance at key parliamentary votes, including the election of the party’s PM candidate, contributing to the recent decision to extricate PPRP from the coalition.
Political analysts indicate that Gen Prawit’s exclusion from the government marks a pivotal moment in his political career, with loyal MPs possibly seeking to distance themselves from his leadership as they navigate changing political dynamics.
As transformations occur within the House, Pheu Thai is expected to solidify its majority while potential rival factions, including those led by Capt Thamanat, maneuver for influence in the evolving political landscape.
Experts predict impending challenges for Capt Thamanat and his faction, particularly as they navigate internal pressures and the shifting allegiances within parliament, with potential defections to other parties looming on the horizon.
While the PPRP faces significant hurdles, the opportunities for Pheu Thai to regain public favor appear promising, assisted by the political acumen of seasoned leaders like Thaksin Shinawatra.
As the landscape evolves, Gen Prawit is unlikely to recede quietly, with analysts suggesting he may seek avenues for retribution against rivals within the current coalition.
