The opposition Pheu Thai party decided to sack two dissident MPs, Sarunvuth Sarunkate, of Uttaradit province, and Pornpimon Thammasarn, of Pathum Thani province, for defying the party whip to vote against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in the no-confidence motion on September 4th.

Party Secretary-General Prasert Chanthararuangthong said today (Tuesday) that the party’s executive committee and MPs met this afternoon to consider the ethical discipline committee’s recommendation that the two dissident MPs be dismissed.

The committee found Sarunvuth guilty of causing serious damage to the party by defaming and defying the party, while Pornpimon was faulted for favouring other parties and breaching the party’s manifesto.

The joint meeting of the executive board and MPs voted to sack Sarunvuth by 131 votes to 2 and 134 votes to 1 to dismiss Pornpimon.

Prasert said that the two MPs lost their right to appeal against dismissal because they twice shunned the party’s invitation to defend themselves.

According to the existing Constitution, the two MPs can join a new party within 30 days of their dismissal, otherwise they will lose their MP status.

It is reported that Pornpimon may join a government party, Bhumjaithai, while Sarunvuth may join the smaller Puea Chat party.