Varawut Silpa-archa, leader of the Chartthaipattana party, confirmed today that he and other party MPs will run in the next general election under the ticket of the Bhumjaithai party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Speaking after a meeting with Anutin at Bhumjaithai’s headquarters, Varawut stressed that reports claiming the Silpa-archa family had abandoned Chartthaipattana are incorrect.
He said party executive Nikorn Chamnong and the executive committee will confirm that the party remains active and that the Silpa-archa family has not left.
“Whether the whole party will move together will become clearer once the House is dissolved, but I believe our work will become more effective from now on,” Varawut said.
Varawut is the son of former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, a veteran politician who had maintained Suphan Buri as a political stronghold for decades. The party won ten seats in the 2023 general election.
Commenting on reports that small parties may struggle under the new election system and therefore seek to join larger ones, Varawut said such a trend is neither unusual nor inappropriate.
Many countries operate smoothly with only two or three major parties, such as the UK and the US.
He offered an assurance that local supporters will understand the decision, adding that cooperation among multiple ‘agencies’ would enhance service delivery to the public.
“This move is the result of discussions among all members. It was not my decision alone,” he said.
Anutin, meanwhile, confirmed that reports about political realignments are accurate and that Sunday’s announcement serves as official confirmation that Varawut and a group of Chart Thai Pattana members will contest the next election under the Bhumjaithai banner.
He said discussions between him and Varawut had been held on policy direction and working frameworks, claiming that “It is now clear that, once Parliament is dissolved, all of them will join us to work for the country and the people under Bhumjaithai.”
