Somkid denies party head rumour

Somkid denies party head rumour

'No invite' for talks at Suchart's house

Deputy Prime Minister and populist economy tsar Somkid Jatusripitak says he knows nothing about reports he is about to join friends from the Thaksin-Thai Rak Thai era to form a new political party. (File photo)
Deputy Prime Minister and populist economy tsar Somkid Jatusripitak says he knows nothing about reports he is about to join friends from the Thaksin-Thai Rak Thai era to form a new political party. (File photo)

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak denied media reports Thursday that he was approached by a group of veteran politicians to join talks about forming a new political party this weekend.

Mr Somkid was reacting to media reports that he and a group of politicians led by veteran Suchart Tancharoen would meet this Sunday at Mr Suchart's Ban Rim Nam house in Nonthaburi to discuss the prospect of forming a party.

According to the reports, Mr Somkid was being touted as a candidate to lead the party.

The deputy premier said no politicians had invited him to attend the 1 meeting, insisting he had no idea about it until he read from the news.

However, he admitted he and Mr Suchart were also close to each other and were former members of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party.

Mr Somkid also reacted with caution when asked about his future political career.

"Working in this position, I get to know and meet a lot of people, academics, politicians and those from the private sector. I try to give information to everyone involved," he said.

Mr Suchart, a core member of Ban Rim Nam faction, also rejected the media report that faction members and those affiliated with the so-called Group of 16 would meet at his house this weekend.

He said his house was usually open to friends and close aides who could stop by any time even if he was not home but insisted there was no special event this week.

According to Mr Suchart, the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) would celebrate its birthday on April 1 and that might have triggered speculation about the event.

Those familiar with the Ban Rim Nam faction and the Group of 16 also dismissed the media reports.

Sonthaya Khunpleum, leader of Phalang Chon Party, said he had no knowledge about the meeting.

On Wednesday, reports circulated that Mr Somkid was invited to lunch with a group of politicians at Mr Suchart's house this Sunday. The politicians included Ronritthichai Khankhet, former MP for Yasothon for Pheu Paendin Party.

The move came amid rumours that senior government figures recently made contact with a group which applied to register the political party name Phalang Pracharat to ask about progress.

It was reported that the group founded by Chuan Chuchan planned to unveil Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as a key party member in June.

There were also reports that Mr Somkid would lead the party.

The Phalang Pracharat drew wide public attention because the name was the same as the Prayut government's "Pracharat" state-funded campaign.

Meanwhile, Phadermchai Sasomsap, former labour minister in the Yingluck administration, said Thursday he had yet to decide if he would confirm his Pheu Thai party membership.

He said he was contacted by the party to confirm the status on April 4, but he had yet to decide on his political future.

The politician said he still has time to make a decision.

"At this stage I won't confirm the status because I don' t know if I will stay or join any other party," he said.

No reports have emerged of anyone confirming the meeting will take place or who has been invited to attend.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (12)