Knives out for headhunters
The Phalang Pracharat Party, touted as a vehicle for Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha’s return as premier, seems to be off to a strong start.
The new political outfit, believed to be linked to key government figures known for their economic savvy like Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, looks “fresh” and virtually free of political conflicts.
But that image may soon be a thing of the past following news about the involvement of the Sam Mitr group, or the Three Allies, in the party’s affairs, according to political observers.
The group is led by several veteran former MPs such as former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkij and former industry minister Somsak Thepsuthin. Mr Somkid is also believed to be involved although the deputy prime minister denies any knowledge or links to Sam Mitr.
Mr Suriya, former secretary-general of the now dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, is known to be a financier while Mr Somsak, leader of Wang Nam Yom faction, is known to have control of many constituencies in the lower part of the northern region.
Both have reportedly thrown their support behind Gen Prayut to return as prime minister.
It is believed that the duo have secured defections of more than 50 former MPs, most of which are from the northeastern provinces, an important political stronghold of the former ruling Pheu Thai Party. But the problem is that most of these MPs are considered as B-listers.
According to political insiders, B-listers are politicians who won elections under the banner of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai and People’s Power parties, but not on the Pheu Thai Party ticket. Pheu Thai is the reincarnation of Thai Rak Thai and People’s Power.
According to a political source, the poaching of politicians without screening is reportedly upsetting figures behind Phalang Pracharat.
They are concerned that an almost assured outcome could turn disastrous long before the status of Phalang Pracharat is endorsed by the Election Commission (EC), according to a source close to Phalang Pracharat.
The source said certain government figures who may be associated with the newly registered party had sent a message to the Sam Mitr group suggesting that it keep its distance with Mr Somkid to avoid a political blacklash.
The deputy prime minister portrays an image of an economic specialist, not a political aspirant, and it is likely to be counterproductive if he is perceived to be involved in Sam Mitr’s mission to get former MPs to defect to Phalang Pracharat.
Pheu Thai has already called on the EC to reject Phalang Pracharat’s registration application accusing some high-profile government figures of being complicit in Sam Mitr’s poaching of former MPs.
It has also alleged that defection deals vary from group to group depending on their potential of being elected.
The Democrat Party has also spoken on the issue saying the EC must exercise independence and launch a probe into whether the Sam Mitr group is breaking any laws regarding attempts to recruit former MPs.
The EC is currently reviewing applications on party formation, including that of Phalang Pracharat.
Mr Somkid has so far denied any role in the much-reported mass defections but kept everyone happy by saying that he has good relations with all political factions.
According to the source, with a green light from government figures, the Three Allies may have to examine its priorities and single out only the politicians with the strongest chances of winning the next election.