MP denies being in new Pheu Thai faction
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Pheu Thai MPs in five provinces in the Northeast have grouped together to fight political problems in the ruling party while a majority of party members disagree with the move.
Deputy Education Minister Sakda Kongpetch has merged Pheu Thai MPs in Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Maha Sarakham and Yasothon together to create the “Thung Kula Group” in the party.
Sakda, who was chosen to be group leader, said the reason for creating Thung Kula Group was to try to solve a conflict between Pheu Thai Party in one province caused by competition in local elections and conflict inside Pheu Thai due to the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.
However the creation of Thung Kula has caused angst among other Pheu Thai MPs. Most fear the purpose of the group is to boost members’ political status.
Roi Et Pheu Thai MP Niran Namuangrak claims Sakda created the group because he fears being removed from the post of Deputy Education Minister.
“I want to ask Sakda why he set up this group in this time when he could be removed from the Education Ministry? While over the last six months he has no accomplishments on his duty,” Niran said.
Another Roi Et Pheu Thai MP, Chalard Khamchuang, who was named as one of the Thung Kula group, denied ties to the group or that such a unit existed in the Pheu Thai Party.
“I flew with Sakda last Sunday and he didn’t mention anything about this group or ask me to join this group. Our party has rules and we have learnt lessons from the case of Newin’s group. So why would we allow another group to be set up?” Chalard said.
