Thailand's Oldest Party Vows to Pick New Leader in 60 Days
The Democrat Party is searching for a successor after Chalermchai Sri-on's sudden resignation, citing health concerns
- Thailand's Democrat Party will elect a new leader within 60 days following the surprise resignation of its former chief, Chalermchai Sri-on, who cited health reasons.
- Deputy leader Pramuan Pongthawaradej has been appointed as the acting party chief to manage the transition until a new leader is chosen.
- The party is framing the leadership change as a normal process, with the general assembly responsible for deciding on candidates, which could potentially include former leaders.
Thailand's Democrat Party has confirmed it will elect a new leader within the next 60 days following the surprise resignation of Chalermchai Sri-on.
The former party chief stepped down on 12 September, citing health reasons.
In a press conference at the party's headquarters on Saturday, Democrat Party spokesperson Jenjira Rattanapian stated that Chalermchai had officially tendered his resignation, appointing Pramuan Pongthawaradej, the deputy leader, as acting party chief.
When asked if the resignation was prompted by a rift with the party’s secretary-general, Jenjira dismissed the claim, noting that the two have a good relationship.
She added that the resignation was unexpected and the party had not yet set a date for a new executive committee meeting.
Thanitpol Chaiyanan, the party's director, acknowledged that the sudden change could affect morale but insisted that the party is well-prepared for the transition.
"The Democrat Party has elected many leaders throughout its history, so this is a normal process for us," he said. He added that the party's focus remains on preparing for the next election.
Thanitpol also addressed concerns about MPs defecting to other parties, admitting that such movements are common as elections approach.
However, he reaffirmed the party's commitment to its core ideology. "We have been through this many times in our 70-year history," he stated.
When asked about the possibility of former leaders like Abhisit Vejjajiva and Korn Chatikavanij returning to contest the leadership, Thanitpol said it would be up to the general assembly to make a decision, with any nomination requiring the endorsement of at least half of the members.
He clarified that party rules require candidates for the executive committee to have been a continuous member for at least two years, but noted that the general assembly has the authority to waive this rule.
Thanitpol concluded by reassuring all members that the party would continue to work for the nation and uphold its founding principles. He also confirmed that the party is already preparing a candidate for the Bangkok gubernatorial election.
