The former leader, Uttama Savanayana, and the secretary-general, Sontirat Sontijirawong, of the opposition Palang Pracharath party have resigned, citing political uncertainty and concern over the party’s performance.
An informed party source said Uttama and Sontirat, former finance minister and former energy minister in the government of Prayut Chan-o-cha respectively, have already met with General Prawit Wongsuwan, the party leader, to inform him of their wish to leave the party.
The source said General Prawit wished both of them good luck.
Known as the right hand men of former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Uttama and Sontirat led the Palang Pracharath party through the 2019 general election campaign and the party became the core of the first Prayut administration.
Both quit the government to form the Sang Anakot Thai party, to contest the general election in 2023, but the party was routed. They then re-joined the Palang Pracharath party, but found themselves eclipsed by the other party members.
It is unclear at the moment whether either of them will join a new party or will wash their hands of politics.
