Former Democrat MP Nipit Intarasombut was formally presented to the media today (Tuesday) as a new member of the Palang Pracharath Party, responsible for election campaigning in Thailand’s southern provinces.

On hand to welcome him were the party’s secretary-general, Santi Promphat, and two deputy leaders, Wirat Rattanaseth and Paibul Nititawan.

Nipit, who recently left the Sang Anakot Thai Party, after previously leaving the Democrat Party, said that he decided to join Palang Pracharath because he wants it to win the next election.

He said that he submitted his letter, resigning from the Sang Anakot Thai Party, to the Election Commission this morning, before arriving at the head office of Palang Pracharath.

Nipit said he thought about joining Palang Pracharath about three months ago but, at that time, he was unsure what responsibility he would be assigned by the party.

He insisted that he has no grudge against the Sang Anakot Thai Party, adding that there are several issues that led to him leaving, one of which was the decision not to merge theAnakot Thai and the Thai Sang Thai parties.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, insists that he and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha are still buddies, even though the latter is reported to be joining the Thai United Nation Party.

He explained that the Prayut has never been a member of the Palang Pracharath Party, but the party had nominated him as the prime minister.

Asked whether Palang Pracharath will still support Prayut as the next prime minister, he said that the issue will have to be discussed by the party, adding that he has no idea which parties will form the next government.