Chalermchai Srion leaves Democrat Party, joins Thammanat’s party with allies
Former Democrat leader Chalermchai Srion resigns and joins Kla Tham Party, aiming to expand their political influence with a target of gaining 20 seats
Chalermchai Srion, former leader of the Democrat Party and former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, officially resigned from his membership with the party and submitted his resignation to the Election Commission.
This resignation marks the end of over three decades of political service for Chalermchai, who began his career as a Member of Parliament for Prachuap Khiri Khan and later became the party's Secretary-General and the 9th leader of the Democrat Party from 2019 to 2023. Known for his role in unifying the party and managing internal conflicts, Chalermchai was a key figure in maintaining party solidarity during times of crisis.
Following his resignation, Chalermchai is set to lead a group of fellow lawmakers, known as the "Chalermchai Group," to join Kla Tham Party, led by Thammanat Prompao, the party’s senior advisor. Both parties have already discussed and agreed to form a political partnership with the goal of expanding Kla Tham Party from a medium-sized party to a major political force. Their initial target is to secure at least 20 seats in the next election.
Among the key figures expected to join Chalermchai in this move are:
- Pramual Pongthavaradej, MP from Prachuap Khiri Khan and President of the Democrat Party’s MPs.
- Jakkapan Piyapornpaiboon, MP from Prachuap Khiri Khan and former Deputy Secretary-General of the party.
- Dechit Khaothong, MP from Songkhla and former Secretary-General of the Democrat Party.
- Supaporn Kamnoetphol, MP from Songkhla and wife of Dechit Khawthong.
- Saksit Khaothong, MP from Songkhla and son of Dechit Khawthong.
- Pol Maj Gen Surin Palare, MP from Songkhla.
This move is not just a personal shift but a major realignment of political forces, especially in Southern and Lower Central Thailand, which could impact the future direction of the Democrat Party. If more MPs from the Chalermchai Group follow suit, it may further influence the party’s standing.
On the other hand, the Kla Tham Party sees this as an opportunity to strengthen its personnel and party structure. Chalermchai, known for his wide-reaching networks across various regions, brings valuable experience from both the legislative and executive branches, earning recognition as a "professional political manager" capable of coordinating across all factions.
If the Chalermchai Group successfully joins the Kla Tham Party, it could represent a significant political alliance between two powerful factions, Thammanat and Chalermchai, which may pave the way for the Kla Tham Party to become a major political player in the formation of the next government.
