Two Palang Pracharat party-list MPs, Supon Fongngam and Santi Kiranand, have quit parliament, reportedly to join a new party, founded by two former ministers in the Prayut administration, which is scheduled to be formally launched this Wednesday.

A Palang Pracharat party member said that the two MPs submitted their resignations as members of parliament, which take immediate effect, in letters addressed to House Speaker Chuan Leekpai today (Monday).

It is reported that the two might join a new political party, “Sarng Anakot Thai”, founded by former finance minister Uttama Savanayana and former energy minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, former leader and secretary-general of the Palang Pracharat party.

In his Facebook post today, Uttama said that a press conference has been scheduled for this Wednesday to unveil his new party formally and to provide more details about the party.

The former finance minister said that he has sensed the feelings of the Thai people and their concerns for the future of the country, not knowing what direction it will take because it is saddled with so many deeply-entrenched problems.

If such feelings of desperation are allowed to continue unchecked, one day the Thai people will lose hope and the country will not be able to move toward prosperity, said Uttama.

The former finance minister said he believes that Thai people in general do not want to live a hopeless life and, therefore “we have no alternative but to join hands to tackle the problems together.”

“There is no time for finger-pointing. We must not exacerbate the existing problems and situation. We must unite to do everything for the betterment of the country, to overcome the crises, be they in the economy, the epidemic or conflicts,” said Uttama.

He also said that the new party will adopt a platform that welcomes Thais from all sectors and of all ages to share their thoughts on building for the future.