20-MPs faction backs Chalermchai for Democrat leader

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

TWENTY OUT OF a total of 25 Democrat MPs have jointly resolved to endorse acting Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on as a new leader of the second largest opposition party, a veteran MP said today (Dec.7).

In an extraordinary caucus scheduled for the approaching Saturday, Chalermchai will likely be named one of the contenders for Democrat leader, according to Democrat MP Pramual Pongthawaradej.

Pramual confirmed that Chalermchai, a former Democrat secretary-general and former agriculture & cooperatives minister, will be given solid support from the 20 MPs’ faction, led by Democrat MP Det-it Khaothong, in the upcoming contest for the top partisan leadership.

Though the acting Democrat leader has earlier said he had already decided to give up on politics after the new party leader has been picked, he will be strongly recommended to take over the top leadership to keep the party’s rank and file moving on, Pramual said.

However, a trio of former Democrat leaders, namely former prime minister/former House speaker Chuan Leekpai, former deputy prime minister Jurin Laksanavisit and former deputy prime minister Banyat Bantadtan, all of whom having been reelected as party-listed MPs, are apparently not joining ranks with the pro-Chalermchai lawmakers.

Apart from Chalermchai, a few other partisan members will likely contest the top leadership of the country’s oldest party, including former Palang Pracharath MP Watanya “Madam Deer” Bunnag, spouse of Nation Group chair Chai Bunnag, former Democrat MP Narapat Kaewthong, earlier known to secure support from Chalermchai, and former New Aspiration MP Thita Rangsitpol, daughter of former deputy prime minister Sukhavit Rangsitpol.

CAPTION:

Acting Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on. Top photo: Matichon, Front Page photo: Thai Rath

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