Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the seasoned leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), was greeted with enthusiastic applause as he made his entrance at the party’s headquarters in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok this past Friday. A brief hiatus from his leadership role had ended, mere hours after he initially stepped down to facilitate the election of a new executive board.
The party’s general assembly was both spirited and consequential, owing to the resignation of Capt Thamanat Prompow along with five members of his faction. This move further distanced them from the core of the PPRP, necessitating crucial leadership decisions.
In an overwhelming show of confidence, Gen Prawit was re-elected as the party leader. Subsequently, Mr. Paiboon stepped into the shoes of the former secretary-general Thamanat. Notably, Gen Krityothin Sasipattanawong took on the role of treasurer, while Sompot Saengkaew assumed the position of registrar.
The newly elected executive board features eight vibrant deputy party leaders: Santi Prompat, Chaiwut Thaanakamanusorn, Uttama Savanayana, Ms. Treenuch Thiengthong, Sonthirat Sonthijirawong, Apichai Techa-ubon, and Chakart Pattanakitwitboon, as well as Chaimongkol Chairob. Adding to the dynamic ensemble are executive members Anan Phon-amnuay (Kamphaeng Phet MP), Charnkrit Detwithank, ML Kornkasiwat Kasemsri, Yongyut Suwannabut, Akkhawat Assavahem, Sutham Charit-ngam (Nakhon Si Thammarat MP), Krasae Trakulpornpong (Nong Khai MP), Kanchana Changwa (Chaiyaphum MP), Khosee Mamu (Pattani MP), Thawee Suraban (Tang MP), Wan Ubumrung, and Pol Lt Col Piya Tawichai.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, Gen Prawit expressed a resounding commitment to unity and a staunch anti-bullying policy. He emphasized that the management strategies would undergo comprehensive revisions, with deputy leaders poised to take charge of their constituencies supported by the secretary-general.
Gen Prawit’s previous resignation was a procedural necessity in strict adherence to party regulations. His dramatic re-entry into the assembly at precisely 8:10 AM was met with warm greetings from around 800 party members, their supportive chants of “Uncle Pom, fight!” filling the air. For those unaware, “Pom” is Gen Prawit’s endearing nickname.
Amidst these sweeping changes, the Thamanat group continues to serve in the cabinet under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration, juxtaposed against the opposition stance of the remaining PPRP MPs. From this faction, three members have prominent roles in Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s cabinet:
- Narumon Pinyosinwat holding the position of agriculture and cooperatives minister,
- Itthi Sirilathayakorn as the deputy agriculture minister, and
- Akara Prompao, who serves as the deputy agriculture minister and happens to be Capt Thamanat’s younger brother.
Capt Thamanat candidly shared his loss of faith in the PPRP, pointing out that the party’s ministerial nominations had been orchestrated and communicated to the ruling Pheu Thai Party without his prior knowledge.
Gen Prawit reinstated again? Seriously, how many times will this guy step down and come back? It’s like a revolving door!
Agreed! It makes the party look so unstable. No wonder Capt Thamanat left.
You’re missing the bigger picture. Prawit is crucial for maintaining party unity, despite the drama.
Politics is a messy game, but Prawit knows the ropes. Who else could lead PPRP effectively?
There are always fresh faces who can do better. This recycled leadership isn’t helping Thailand progress.
What a joke. The whole party is just a puppet show. Where’s the real leadership?
You’re not wrong. But the real issue is the lack of democratic process within the party.
But the general assembly did re-elect him. Is that not democratic enough for you?
Good to see the party focusing on anti-bullying. More organizations should adopt similar policies.
True, but politics is dirtier than schoolyards. Anti-bullying policies are just window dressing.
Agree! It’s a step in the right direction, but enforcement is key.
Capt Thamanat leaving is a big deal. He was crucial to PPRP’s strategy. Wonder what’s next for him?
Probably focusing on his cabinet roles. The real question is: will he and Prawit ever reconcile?
Doubtful. Thamanat seems to have lost all faith in the PPRP’s internal politics.
What’s the betting Prawit steps down again before the next election?
That wouldn’t surprise me. Their inconsistency is their biggest downfall.
Right? How can you expect stability when the leadership is like a ping-pong match?
At least Prawit isn’t trying to make unilateral decisions. He allowed the assembly to decide.
That might be true, but the assembly just acts as a rubber stamp. Where’s the real debate?
All these changes mean nothing if the party doesn’t focus on policy reforms. Thailand needs actionable plans, not just leadership shuffles.
Well said! A country can’t thrive on leadership drama alone. Policies matter.
Also, what’s with the slew of new faces in the executive board? Are they just Prawit’s yes-men?
Exactly! It seems like anyone who slightly disagrees with Prawit is out.
The cabinet roles transitioning to the Thamanat group might signal a larger shift in power dynamics. Watch this space.
Very true! Could this be the beginning of the end for PPRP dominance?
If it shakes things up and leads to positive change, I’m all for it.
‘Pom’ coming back felt like a dramatic soap opera moment! Only in Thai politics!
Exactly! Who needs TV when you’ve got this in real life?
The new deputies are promising. Fresh blood is needed to rejuvenate policies and energize the party.
Fresh blood, yes, but as long as they’re not just Prawit’s puppets.
Why does ‘unity’ keep getting thrown around? Actions speak louder than words, Prawit!
The party’s future looks bleak unless real reforms are implemented. Prawit needs to deliver, not just reappear.
It’s interesting to note that Gen Prawit’s return was timed perfectly. Makes you wonder if it was all pre-planned.
Nothing in politics happens by accident. Every move is calculated.
Absolutely! Strategy is key in politics.
Isn’t anyone concerned about the broader implications on Thai democracy? Leadership should be transparent.
The new leadership roles filled by fresh candidates might be the change PPRP needs. Let’s give them a chance.