Thamanat Prompow addressed reporters as he arrived at Government House on a Tuesday, exuding an air of determination. The announcement was a storm brewing in the political landscape of Thailand: Thamanat had stepped down as the secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), taking with him five other key members of his group who resigned from their executive positions.
“I have already informed the party of my decision to resign,” Thamanat declared on a notable Thursday, confirming that their collective resignation had been reported to the Election Commission, stirring the political cauldron. This move comes just before a critical party board meeting set to be chaired by none other than leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon on the upcoming Friday.
Interestingly, Thamanat and his colleagues have maintained their PPRP memberships strategically, ensuring they don’t lose their crucial MP seats. Delving into legal maneuvers, Thamanat admitted he’s seeking ways for his allies and himself to exit the Palang Pracharath framework without jeopardizing their MP status, a common political dance where the party expels the MP, allowing them to retain their seats by attaching themselves to a new party.
The influential political tactician from Phayao reportedly commands the loyalty of 20 out of the party’s 40 MPs, with the remaining bloc still loyal to Gen. Prawit. This isn’t the first time Thamanat has attempted to rock the Palang Pracharath boat. Back in 2021, he aimed his political artillery at Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Although he lost the battle and his cabinet seat, Thamanat later returned, pledging loyalty to Gen. Prawit. The echoes of past conflict still resonate in the political corridors.
However, on Thursday, Thamanat confessed he had lost faith in the party, especially since recent ministerial nominations bypassed him entirely. “The ministerial portfolios were drafted and dispatched to the ruling Pheu Thai Party without my knowledge or input,” he lamented.
Adding another layer of political intrigue, three members of Thamanat’s faction, including his brother, have now taken seats in the new cabinet of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. While the rest of Palang Pracharath MPs stand firm in opposition, this internal bifurcation became glaringly evident. Thamanat’s group was observed sitting in the Pheu Thai seating area during a heated debate on the 2025 budget bill this week, while the Prawit loyalists remained in the PPRP designated seats.
Pheu Thai Party, with a decisive announcement last week, revealed its intention to drop PPRP from the coalition, aiming to purge all those loyal to Gen. Prawit. The former army chief, now 78, is suspected of orchestrating actions against Pheu Thai, including a crucial ethics complaint filed by 40 former senators that significantly impacted the prime ministership of Srettha Thavisin.
Beyond Thamanat, the five members who departed the PPRP executive board are Narathiwat MP Sampan Mayusoh, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn (Chachoengsao), Boonying Nitikanchana (Ratchaburi), Phai Lik (Kamphaeng Phet), and Boonsing Warinrak.
This Friday, Palang Pracharath gears up for a pivotal assembly to elect a new board, now downsized from 19 to 13 members. The political shuffle’s ripple effect is expected to see Deputy Leader Paiboon Nititawan step into the role of secretary-general, substituting Thamanat.
As the dust settles and political chessboard resets, the public watches with bated breath, waiting to see the next move of these prominent players in Thailand’s high-stakes political game.
Thamanat’s resignation is a clear indication of internal discord within PPRP. The party will struggle without his faction.
But isn’t it good for the party to remove members who create division? They need unity to move forward.
Unity at the cost of losing half their MPs? Good luck winning the next election without Thamanat’s support.
@Emily K, the problem is deeper. Thamanat was a skilled strategist. Without him, PPRP’s future is shaky.
Or maybe this is a sign PPRP needs new blood. Clinging to old power structures isn’t sustainable.
Thamanat is only looking out for himself. His political maneuvers are all about maintaining his power, not what’s best for Thailand.
Isn’t that what all politicians do? At least he’s open about his ambitions.
Transparency doesn’t equal integrity. His loyalty shifts like the wind!
Interesting how Thamanat left right before a critical meeting. Timing is everything in politics!
Yes, suspicious timing. Could be planning a strategic movement against PPRP?
Thamanat’s departure could signal the beginning of the end for PPRP. It’s like watching a soap opera!
More like a tragicomedy! Who knows what will happen next in this political mess?
Either way, it’s entertaining to watch. Real-life drama!
How can Thamanat and his group keep their MP seats and not get expelled? Sounds like a loophole being exploited.
This move splinters the opposition even further. Who does that benefit the most? Definitely Pheu Thai!
Pheu Thai capitalizes on the chaos, consolidating their power while their opponents fight among themselves.
Indonesia went through a similar political shake-up. It took a decade for stability. Thailand might be in for a rough ride.
Let’s hope it doesn’t take that long here. Too much instability and the economy will suffer.
Comparing Thailand to Indonesia is wise. Both nations have complex political terrains.
Thamanat as a kingmaker? Seems more like a power-hungry player who can’t accept being sidelined.
True, but his influence over those 20 MPs shows he’s still a significant force.
Losing faith in the party over ministerial nominations? Sounds like ego more than principle.
Politics is often about ego. Thamanat wouldn’t be the first nor the last to act out of self-interest.
Another reshuffling meeting on Friday. These changes are dizzying. When will they find stability?
Stability? Not anytime soon. Expect more waves in this political storm.
Thamanat joining forces with Pheu Thai would make an interesting alliance. Thai politics never fails to surprise.
Leaving PPRP but staying in the parliament is the ultimate chess move. Got to give credit where it’s due.
PPRP’s days of glory are numbered. Internal issues like these weaken party unity.
If they expel Thamanat’s group without losing MP seats, isn’t that just a political loophole? It’s borderline unethical.
Thamanat’s brother in the new cabinet? Family ties weigh heavily in these power plays.
The changes at PPRP’s executive level are just the beginning. More turmoil is coming.
Thamanat lost ministerial positions but gained strategic leverage. Who’s really the loser here?
Focusing on internal party politics while neglecting national issues is why people lose faith in politicians.
Gen. Prawit losing his loyalists means his influence is waning. End of an era?
Thailand needs strong leadership, not these constant power struggles.
History keeps repeating. Political instability like this only hurts the common people.
PPRP’s Friday meeting will be decisive. Dep. Leader Paiboon stepping up might just save them.
Thamanat’s loyalty shifting is not helping his image. People see through these political games.