The Palang Pracharat party has set up a panel to investigate the conduct of six of its MPs, known collectively as the Dao Ruek group, for abstaining from voting in support of Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob on Saturday, following the censure debate, in defiance of the party whip.

The executive committee of the government’s core party, led by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, met on Monday to discuss the conduct of the rebel MPs, which was deemed to be a violation of the party’s regulations.

Mr. Paiboon Nititawan, one of the deputy leaders, said it was decided to form a committee to investigate the matter and to submit its findings within 15 days, but he hinted that the six rebels would not be penalized, but they might lose some rights reserved for the party’s MPs.

The six are Ms. Koranit Ngarmsukhonrattana, Bangkok MP; Ms. Thitipat Chotedechachainan, Bangkok MP; Ms. Thanikarn Pornpongsarote, Bangkok MP, Ms. Pada Worakanon, Bangkok MP, Ms. Watanya Wong-opasi, party-list MP and Siripong Rassamee, Bangkok MP.

Ms. Watanya apologized General Prawit today for causing disquiet in the party over their abstaining from voting in support of Mr. Saksayam, a member of the Bhumjaithai party, a coalition partner, but insisted that the group had done the right thing based on principle and rationality.