Chalerm Ubumrung and his son, Wan Ubumrung, were spotted rallying with the Pheu Thai Party in Bangkok last April. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
In a surprising twist of political allegiance, former Pheu Thai Party MP Wan Ubumrung announced on Saturday his decision to join the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). This move comes shortly after his resignation from the coalition’s main party. Wan’s departure followed criticism within Pheu Thai for his perceived camaraderie with a political rival, who happens to be an old family friend, during a recent local election vote count.
The 77-year-old patriarch, Chalerm, has also expressed his desire to switch sides. However, as he is still a list-MP for Pheu Thai, he requires the party’s initiative to formally impeach him to facilitate his move. Chalerm’s transition isn’t straightforward, hinging on Pheu Thai’s formal decision to reassign his roles.
Wan has announced plans to officially join Palang Pracharath on Tuesday, aligned with a scheduled party meeting. This shift follows a productive rendezvous with Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, PPRP’s leader and former deputy prime minister, at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation. This foundation, a familiar hub for political stratagems, is located within the 1st Infantry Regiment Complex in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district — Gen Prawit’s residential and operational headquarters.
During their meeting, Gen Prawit, also the foundation’s chairman, extended an invitation for Chalerm to join PPRP, which Chalerm accepted. Despite the enthusiastic agreement, Chalerm’s move remains contingent on his official departure from Pheu Thai, as elucidated by sources privy to the discussions.
On Saturday, Chalerm reiterated his willingness to join PPRP, bolstered by his three-decade-long acquaintance with Gen Prawit. Eagerly awaiting Pheu Thai’s ousting decision, he clarified that he wasn’t seeking any prestigious position in exchange for his transition.
This political migration extends beyond father and son, with Wan’s own son, Archawin Ubumrung — an advisor to the Digital Economy and Society minister — also poised to accompany them to PPRP.
Chalerm, once a prosperous police captain, boasts a political career spanning over four decades and numerous top-tier governmental roles. The Ubumrung family has historically wielded significant political influence in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district. However, in the May election last year, Wan faced a harsh defeat. Move Forward Party’s newcomer, Rukchanok Srinork, secured a resounding victory, besting Wan by over 20,000 votes.
Wow, Wan Ubumrung switching to PPRP?! This is major! Can’t believe they would betray Pheu Thai like this.
I don’t see it as betrayal. Political strategies change all the time. Maybe he sees more opportunities with PPRP.
Opportunistic, yes. But where’s the loyalty? These party-hopping politicians are ruining our democracy.
Loyalty should be to the people, not to a party. If switching means better policies, why not?
This move could be seen as a strategic realignment within Thai politics. It’s indicative of broader shifts in political allegiances.
Strategic realignment? It’s just about power and positions. These politicians have no real principles.
I agree. Strategic realignments often overlook the impact on grassroots supporters, leading to disillusionment and distrust.
True, but understanding the tactical moves helps us comprehend the larger political landscape. It’s more than just power games.
Who cares about these old politicos? It’s time for young, fresh faces in politics.
I agree, we need new ideas and new energy. The old guard had their time.
Be careful what you wish for. Experience matters. Fresh faces don’t always mean better governance.
Gen Prawit always seems to be behind these maneuvers. What’s his end game?
It’s all about consolidating power. PPRP needs every bit of influence they can muster.
Chalerm jumping ship is predictable. He’s always been about his own personal gain.
Isn’t every politician? At least he’s open about it.
Yeah, but it’s still disappointing to see that kind of self-serving behavior up close.
Totally. But can we really expect anything different? Politics is a dirty game.
What impact will this have on the local constituencies? Will people follow them to PPRP?
It’s hard to say. Constituents may stick with parties they trust, regardless of individual politicians.
This move is a clear sign that Pheu Thai is losing ground. They can’t keep their major players.
Or maybe it’s a clean-up. Letting go of controversial figures to improve their image.
Having Archawin Ubumrung also switch to PPRP might mean a new political dynasty forming in that party.
Dynasties are the last thing we need in politics. We should break them, not support them.
Political dynasties are a global phenomenon. Sometimes, experience within the family can be beneficial.
Will Chalerm’s move be blocked by Pheu Thai? Can they even do that?
Technically, they need to impeach him to facilitate his move. Politics getting legal!
Rukchanok Srinork’s victory over Wan shows that the public wants change. Why is he switching parties like it’ll make a difference?
Good point. Maybe he’s just trying to stay relevant after his loss.
Maybe he thinks he can gain more power with PPRP despite his past defeat.
Pheu Thai is better off without them. Time for new blood and fresh policies.
New blood is essential, but at what cost? Experience often paves the way for stable governance.
The Ubumrung family has too much influence. Time for them to retire.
Yes! Enough dynasties. We need more diverse representation.
I think this move will strengthen PPRP, but what about the principles and ideologies that are compromised?
Politics has never been about principles. It’s all about who can play the game better.
What do you all think about Gen Prawit’s growing influence?
Worrisome. Consolidation of power is never good for democracy.
Depends on how he uses it. Could lead to stronger governance if done right.
Pheu Thai won’t be the same without the Ubumrungs. But maybe that’s a good thing.
Archawin’s move is the most surprising to me. A young advisor following in family footsteps.
Political shifts like these make me skeptical of everyone involved. Integrity seems non-existent.
Hopefully, younger politicians like Archawin can bring new perspectives to PPRP.
I wonder what the future holds for Pheu Thai. Can they recover from losing such prominent figures?