The pro–junta Palang Pracharat Party is getting a major boost after a group of politicians and former MPs of the so-called “Sam Mitr” group are on the verge of joining it, thus making it a formidable political party in the upcoming election.

Suriya Juangroongruangkit, a veteran politician and a key leader of the group, estimated that about 70 members of the group will run under the banner of Palang Pracharat Party in the election.  Suriya’s confirmation on Thursday dispelled earlier doubts about the group’s readiness to join hands with the party.

It was Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak who personally approached him for the Sam Mitr group to help with the Palang Pracharat, he said.  Suriraya quoted Somkid as saying that the party is open to alliance with all sides to form the next government after the election.

Suriya confirmed the group would definitely merge with Palang Pracharat which was recently set up as a political vehicle to return Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to power after the election.

The group includes 30 former MPs besides a number of local politicians, businessmen and young candidates with a good potential to become political rising stars, he said.

Meanwhile, a source who is a key figure in Pheu Thai Party, said Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan has emerged as the strongest contender for party leader after the Shinawatra clan decided not to compete for the party leadership.

According to an informed source, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Hong Kong today to meet several groups of Pheu Thai politicians.  Thaksin has been under a close watch  for his role in the party’s affairs despite the fact that he no longer holds any position in it.