Bangkok: Prasert Chantarawongthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, has called on Pheu Thai MPs who have shown intentions to join the Bhumjaithai Party to resign from their party membership and committee chair positions. He stated that this move is a violation of party ethics and disrespects the voice of the people.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert pointed out the specific cases of Sudarat Phithakpornpallop, an MP for Ubon Ratchathani, and Sarasnan Annoppaporn, an MP for Khon Kaen, along with other members who have engaged with other political parties. The party believes these MPs failed to honor the electorate’s trust and disregarded the sentiments of the Red Shirts and democracy advocates. The eight MPs who publicly declared their intention to join the Bhumjaithai Party were deemed to have breached party ethics and should, therefore, resign. Ms. Sarasnan, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee under the Pheu Thai Party’s quota, is also urged to resign. Mr. Prasert emphasized that this issue should be addressed in line with the party’s ethical guidelines.

Mr. Prasert further highlighted that the party had previously instructed its members to prominently display Pheu Thai Party signs during public engagements and clearly state their party affiliation. However, despite numerous discussions, the two MPs have not demonstrated their commitment to remaining with the party. The matter has been repeatedly brought to their attention, and assurances of loyalty to the Pheu Thai Party have been sought.

The images of the MPs associating with the Bhumjaithai Party last Sunday were seen as disrespectful to the Pheu Thai Party’s stature and the votes from its supporters, especially in Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. These areas have a significant base of pro-democracy Red Shirts and loyal Pheu Thai Party members.