Thai politics knows no true friends or permanent enemies. As the election approaches, party-switching intensifies, especially among veteran MPs adopting new party colors. Some clearly switched allegiance even before parliament dissolved. Others moved for ideology or survival. Here are the top 10 well-known former MPs who have changed parties ahead of the early 2026 election.
From Move Forward Party to Kla Tham Party
Pu Ad was expelled by Move Forward Party due to a sexual harassment case and had to join a new party within 30 days. He initially joined Thai Sang Thai, which had no MPs in the current parliament.
Later, with the emergence of the Kla Tham Party aiming to attract small-party MPs under one roof, Pu Ad was seen attending many party activities and is preparing to run for Bangkok MP again as a Kla Tham member.
Starting with the talk-of-the-town case, "Pu Ad," a former Move Forward MP from Thonburi, was expelled amid a sexual harassment scandal. He moved to "Thai Sang Thai" first but showed clear signs of shifting by frequently appearing at Kla Tham party events.
Now, he is set to make a comeback officially under the "Kla Tham" banner to prove how much local support he still commands, even without the Move Forward Party’s backing in the capital, relying instead on this new party in the upcoming election.
From Pheu Thai Party to Bhumjaithai Party
The former Director-General of the Department of Groundwater Resources decisively shifted after Paetongtarn Shinawatra lost the prime ministership by supporting Anutin Charnvirakul as PM. He resigned as MP, had his daughter defend their original seat, and himself jumped to become a deputy minister in the Ministry of Interior alongside the prime minister.
His party switch and victory in a by-election against his former party reflect the strong support base of the Wichiansilp family. Even after switching sides, he retained his seat, suggesting that in the upcoming general election he could easily win more seats in Kanchanaburi.
From Pheu Thai Party to Palang Pracharath Party
Ending the Shinawatra family’s era with Pheu Thai, “Sergeant Lim,” a sharp-tongued warrior, followed his son Wan Yubamrung out of Pheu Thai after a rift with party leadership made cooperation difficult.
Moving to "Uncle Pom’s" Palang Pracharath during the party’s downturn was a shock move post-parliament dissolution. It remains a challenge whether he can regain a parliamentary seat during the party's waning popularity.
From Pheu Thai Party to Bhumjaithai Party
“Teacher Nuch,” remembered as a Pheu Thai prime ministerial aide who sparred with People’s Party MPs during debates, switched seats away from her original party. She voted to support Anutin Charnvirakul as the 32nd prime minister and joined the blue-colored party in Sisaket, a stronghold of Bhumjaithai. She has a good chance to win again as MP.
From Pheu Thai Party to Bhumjaithai Party
A political heir of "Chuwit (Kui)," the dominant figure in Ubon Ratchathani, Kan’s move from Pheu Thai to Bhumjaithai signals danger in another Red Shirt stronghold. This is not just a personal switch but likely a substantial transfer of voter base. The battle in Ubon will be fierce, and this move may mark an unflattering end to her time with her original party.
From Pheu Thai Party to Bhumjaithai Party
Another female former MP from the Northeast who switched from Pheu Thai to Bhumjaithai alongside others. Rumors of ethical violations circulated, which she denied, stating she never defied party decisions. She cited dissatisfaction and that the party was already seeking her replacement before she decided to leave.
This move not only brings part of her support base along but also opens a wound for major political rivals in Khon Kaen.
From Palang Pracharath Party to Kla Tham Party
A former deputy secretary of Palang Pracharath, she was suspended for about half a year but never expelled, remaining a "snake" MP in many votes. Her situation reflects deep internal fractures within Palang Pracharath. Although not part of the first group led by Lt. Col. Thammanat forming Kla Tham, she appears ready to defend her stronghold in Chaiyaphum in the 2026 election.
From People’s Party to Kla Tham Party
Another former orange 'snake' MP who was not expelled for nearly a year. Krit split from his party, despite previously assuring Chonburi voters he would not betray them, citing ideological differences. He was sidelined until parliament dissolved but appeared at Kla Tham events, notably congratulating Dr. Narumon, the party leader, on becoming Minister of Education.
The next election will test whether this orange 'snake' can hold his seat. Notably, no former Future Forward 'snakes' succeeded in the 2023 election, so whether he breaks this trend remains to be seen.
From Palang Pracharath Party to Bhumjaithai Party
“Folk,” an MP and heir of a prominent family in the tamarind city, decided to leave Palang Pracharath during its decline and join Bhumjaithai, following the trend of northern lower region defections. Photos with blue party members confirm this clear signal of bleeding from General Prawit’s party with no end in sight.
Given his family’s longstanding support base, he is unlikely to struggle to retain his MP seat while also boosting the government coalition’s seat count, bringing them closer to election victory.
From Democrat Party to Bhumjaithai Party
Another southern Democrat MP, even after party leadership changed to Abhisit Vejjajiva, couldn’t stop the exodus. Romtham appeared in photos with Akkara, signaling his departure from the old party ahead of the 2026 election, following his father Narit, who resigned earlier.
In Phatthalung, where Bhumjaithai’s support is gradually rising, District 3 may shift from light blue to a deeper blue shade in the early February election.
The phenomenon of "party switching and realignment" among these 10 individuals serves as an early warning ahead of the new election. Local powerhouses and influential figures will play crucial roles. Who will return as MPs for another term will be decided on 8 February.