Fate of FFP rebels hangs in the balance

Purge of four MPs may be invalidated

The fate of four MPs expelled from the Future Forward Party (FFP) remains in doubt following reports that the FFP’s resolution to purge them might not be valid.

Today is the deadline for the four constituency lawmakers — Chiang Mai MP Srinual Boonlue, Chon Buri MP Kawinnart Takee, and Chanthaburi MPs Charuek Sri-on and Pol Lt Col Thanapat Kittiwongsa — to find another party, or lose their parliamentary seats.

At a joint meeting on Dec 16 last year, FFP executives and MPs affirmed the resolution made the previous day by party members who voted 250-5 in favour of expelling the four renegade MPs for repeatedly voting against the party on key motions brought by its executives.

Following the purge, Ms Srinual expressed interest in joining the Bhumjaithai Party while Pol Lt Col Thanapat Kittiwongsa was expected to defect to the ruling Palang Pracharath Party.

Ms Kawinnart and Mr Charuek reportedly opted for a smaller outfit — the Palang Thongthin Thai Party.

Those parties are reportedly still waiting for confirmation that the four MPs have officially left the FFP.

Ms Srinual early this week lodged a petition with the Office of the Ombudsman, asking it to refer the issue to the Constitutional Court.

She said she had yet to be formally informed of her expulsion by the FFP and wanted to retain her rights to switch to a new party.

Meanwhile, fresh reports suggest the FFP’s Dec 16 meeting might have lacked a quorum, which would render the party’s expulsion resolution invalid.

FFP secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul said yesterday the party is looking into the issue while noting that if the meeting had lacked a quorum, the four MPs would still technically be FFP members.

He shrugged off concerns that the quartet might have lost their seats had they already joined other parties and the FFP’s expulsion decision had been confirmed void due to the lack of a quorum.

“If their names appear for two political parties, it’s the EC who must act [to resolve the issue],” he said.

House Speaker Chuan Leekpai said yesterday the EC will consider the four MP’s status, and he would look into their case once it was brought to his attention.

“I understand that the House will report on the status of the four MPs in a day or two,” he said.

The issue was unprecedented, he added, and was being reviewed by the Office of the Ombudsman.