Narumon wears the "Chalermchai Group" shirt to join the Kla Tham Party, confident in competing against the Bhumjaithai and Democrat parties in the South. She remains silent on coalition plans. Meanwhile, Promuan reveals he joined because he likes the party's policies and denies bargaining for political seats.\nTags: [Political coalition, Party membership, Southern Thailand politics, Political strategy]
At 12:20 PM on 16 Dec 2023 GMT+7, at the Kla Tham Party (KTP) headquarters, Ms. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education and party leader, welcomed former MPs and former provincial councilors from Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on's group, former Democrat Party leader, who came to register as members of the Kla Tham Party to stand in the upcoming election.\nTags: [Kla Tham Party, Education Minister, Former Democrat Party members, Political registration]
Ms. Narumon presented party shirts to the group, which included: 1. Mr. Promuan Wongthaworndej, former MP from Prachuap Khiri Khan; 2. Police Major General Surin Palare, former MP from Songkhla; 3. Mr. Yunaydi Waba, former MP from Pattani; 4. Mr. Wutipong Nambut, former MP from Ubon Ratchathani; 5. Lt. Yutthakarn Rattanamat, former MP from Nakhon Si Thammarat; 6. Ms. Supatcharee Thammapech, former MP from Phatthalung; 7. Mr. Chatree Laprom, former MP from Sakon Nakhon; 8. Ms. Jenjira Rattanapian, former Democrat Party spokesperson; 9. Mr. Chaiwat Paopiamsap, former party-list MP; 10. Mr. Thitinai Tangburapakit, former provincial councilor of Prachuap Khiri Khan; 11. Mr. Jakphun Piyapornpaiboon, former MP of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Also attending was Lt. Col. Yossingh Liamlert, Deputy Minister of Industry. Notably, Mr. Chalermchai and Mr. Dech Ism Kaothong, former Democrat Party secretary-general, were absent.\nTags: [Former MPs, Kla Tham Party members, Political figures, Party leadership]
Ms. Narumon stated today she welcomed Mr. Chalermchai’s "Friends of Tor" group joining Kla Tham Party. They will collaborate politically to serve the people not only in the South but also in the East and Northeast. Soon, they will launch a campaign and announce MP candidates. Another meeting will be held to discuss collaboration and candidate strategies.\nTags: [Political collaboration, Regional politics, Election campaign, Party strategy]
When asked if accepting former Democrat MPs might cause territorial conflicts, Ms. Narumon said there is no problem as they can communicate well. Some did not run for MP and operate behind the scenes. Discussions will continue, and she asked to wait for more members from the main faction joining gradually. Asked if this move strengthens their presence in the South, she confirmed it does, covering Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces.\nTags: [Territorial politics, Party integration, Southern provinces, Political cooperation]
Reporters asked if this would cause clashes with Bhumjaithai Party. Ms. Narumon responded that in elections, they will do their best and will not avoid competition. They will fight fully where they can serve the people, and all candidates are sincere in their desire to serve. The party will fully support them. When asked if she is confident in competing against the Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties in the South, Ms. Narumon said each party has its own momentum, and they are not worried.\nTags: [Election competition, Party confidence, Southern Thailand, Political support]
Ms. Narumon said their goal for parliamentary seats is not focused on numbers but on doing their best by fielding candidates in all 400 constituencies. She is confident all candidates are determined to win, aiming not just to win but to serve their constituents. Regarding the Bangkok election, candidate announcements will be made soon. The Kla Tham Party has not yet discussed a prime ministerial candidate and will consult new members on this.\nTags: [Election goals, Candidate selection, Prime ministerial candidate, National campaign]
When asked about the Pheu Thai Party’s announcement of their prime ministerial candidate, Ms. Narumon said she has no comment, as it is not their role to express opinions on that matter.\nTags: [Political response, Opposition parties, Prime ministerial candidates]
When asked which party she plans to form a government with after the election, Ms. Narumon said she has no preferred party yet and will wait for election results. She declined to discuss anything in advance, focusing now on launching candidates and doing their best for the 8 Feb election. She emphasized that political work requires cooperation with all parties.\nTags: [Government formation, Election strategy, Political cooperation]
Mr. Promuan Pongthaworndej, former MP from Prachuap Khiri Khan of the Democrat Party, said Mr. Chalermchai listens to the group's opinions. If members agree on a direction, there is no problem because he is open-minded.\nTags: [Party leadership, Group decision-making, Political openness]
When asked if the "Friends of Tor" joining Kla Tham Party aims to secure seats, Mr. Promuan replied they have never discussed seats. He appreciates Kla Tham Party’s policies supporting farmers and works hard because, as a rural MP, he must care for the people's livelihoods.\nTags: [Political motivation, Agricultural policy, Rural representation]
Asked about their plan amid intense competition, Mr. Promuan said all MPs try to visit their constituencies and care for people's well-being in each area. Thus, the MPs in Mr. Chalermchai’s group have always been strong in their roles.\nTags: [Constituency work, Political competition, MP responsibilities]
When asked if he fears losing votes due to party-switching trends, Mr. Promuan said that is normal in politics. MPs must diligently visit their areas, and the party's policies appeal to the people, especially farmers, which helps maintain support for the party and its MPs.\nTags: [Political loyalty, Voter behavior, Party policies, Agricultural support]