The Bhumjaithai party has become second largest party in the coalition government, displacing the Democrat party, following the defection of nine former MPs from the now defunct Future Forward party.
The Bhumjaithai party now has 61 seats, second only to the coalition’s core party, Palang Pracharat.
Party registrar, Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, informed House Speaker Chuan Leekpai today about the nine new parliamentary defections from Future Forward party.
The nine, who have now all officially joined Bhumjaithai, are party list MP Wirat Panthumaphol, Khon Kaen MP Thitinan Saengnark, Phrae MP Krittidet Santivachinrakul, Chachoengsao MP Kittichai Ruangsawat, Bangkok MP Monthon Pokhai, Pathum Thani MP Anavil Rattanasathaoporn, Phrae MP Aekkarn Suesongtham, Bangkok MP Chotipat Techasonommani and party-list MP Samlee Ratsutthi.
Wirat told the media today that he had been approached by Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul several months ago, adding that there was no need for him to inform former party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit or former secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul about his defection, because the party was already dissolved and it was the right of party members to join whichever party they choose.
