Discontent Brews in Palang Pratcharath Leadership as Capt Thamanat Prompow Asserts Majority Support
PUBLISHED: 20 Aug 2024 at 16:17
UPDATED: 20 Aug 2024 at 16:57
A significant rift has emerged within the Palang Pratcharath Party, Thailand’s third largest coalition partner. Secretary-General and Caretaker Agriculture Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow has distanced himself from Party Leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, asserting that he has garnered the backing of 29 out of the party’s 40 Members of Parliament (MPs) and support from smaller parties.
This conflict arises as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra seeks to negotiate the formation of her coalition cabinet following her recent inauguration. Speaking to reporters at Government House, Capt Thamanat expressed his unwillingness to engage with Gen Prawit, stating, “As he does not use me anymore, I do not need to talk.”
Having dedicated six years to the party, he believes it is time to step back, emphasizing, “It’s time for me to declare my freedom.”
He is set to hold a lunch meeting with like-minded individuals at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Previously reported to command the allegiance of 30 MPs within the Palang Pracharath Party, Capt Thamanat indicated that the coalition, with over 300 MPs in total, remains firmly intact. He stated, “Let’s say that we separate our existence clearly, but I won’t ruin the nation or the government.”
During the lunch, he confirmed that 29 Palang Pratcharath MPs were aligned with him, including members from five additional smaller parties. Capt Thamanat clarified that should his faction not be expelled, they would remain with the party; otherwise, they would continue under the Pheu Thai-led coalition. Importantly, expulsion from the party would result in the loss of MP seats.
“Here there are 22 (MPs), and seven others are arriving. We will be in the government. The Palang Pracharath Party is united. Only one group is trying to divide the party,” he asserted.
Notably, Capt Thamanat has a controversial past, having served four years in an Australian prison after a conviction in 1994 for drug-related offenses, which he has consistently denied. His statement to Parliament suggested the charges pertained to flour, not heroin. The political atmosphere remains tense as the previous Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, was removed from office due to ethical breaches concerning cabinet appointments.
