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Migration of minnows expected

AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Major political parties are expected to welcome MPs from a number of minnows after the Constitutional Court ruled this week that Paiboon Nititawan can retain his parliamentary status after dissolving his People’s Reform Party and defecting to Palang Pracharath (PPRP).

Prachathamthai Party leader Pichet Sathiratchawal looks set to follow in Mr Paiboon’s footsteps. The party has resolved to dissolve itself and Mr Pichet, the sole MP, will join the ruling PPRP in what is being dubbed as the “Paiboon model”.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling on Wednesday has cleared any doubt about his status, he said, adding that he has discussed the issue with PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon and secretary-general Capt Thamanat Prompow.

He said the process to dissolve the Prachathamthai Party was initiated in April this year with the board members already summoned by the EC to give statements and confirmation.

He said the party board resolved on Aug 9 to dissolve the party and the dissolution will take effect after the announcement is published in the Royal Gazette. He will have 60 days to switch to a new party.

The likely reintroduction of the twoballot system and its inability to implement campaign pledges prompted the dissolution, he said.

The Chartthaipattana Party said yesterday the door is open to any MPs who want to join when asked about possible copycat moves.

Prapat Pothasuthon, the party’s secretary-general, said there should be nothing wrong with MPs of small parties finding new political homes if the practice is not against the law.

Meanwhile, Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, yesterday voiced concerns about the “Paiboon model”, saying it would trigger copycat moves and lead to “parliamentary dictatorship”.

He said he felt disturbed by the latest development and if small parties followed suit in joining bigger parties to consolidate power, it could set the country back several years.

NATIONAL

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2021-10-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://bangkokpost.pressreader.com/article/281552294061159

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