Pheu Thai de-facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra remains confident that the party will win the next general election and capture more seats than in previous polls.
According to a party source, the former prime minister was not discouraged by media reports that several veteran politicians in the northeastern region were turning their back on the party and joining a pro-regime party.
Thaksin was quoted as saying that he was "glad" to hear about the defections which present an opportunity for newcomers to contest the polls and thankful for their "sacrifice".
He said the party would come first in the next general election, citing the findings of opinion polls that predicted the Pheu Thai Party winning most seats.
Thaksin made the remarks during a video call with some 30 key members of the Pheu Thai Party who gathered for dinner on Thursday after a round of golf.
During the dinner former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat made a video call to former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to wish her a happy birthday. Thaksin joined the talks later to discuss the current political situation.
According to the source, several politicians have decided to defect to other parties for financial reasons and party executives are aware of their needs.
The source said the party is expected to discuss the issue soon since the elections are nearing and potential candidates have to cover the cost in preparing for the polls.
In a report published by BBC Thai, Thaksin also expressed confidence that Pheu Thai would win the next polls while insisting that the number of people who left the party was small. Thaksin said he has been in touch with people and grassroots leaders and keeps abreast of their thoughts.
Thaksin, who is turning 69 next month, said he is inspired to be strong by Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad who won the national election at the age of 92.
"I am 69, and 23 years younger than him. It's possible to remain strong and sharp. If we aren't, we shouldn't volunteer to work for the public," he was quoted as saying in the report.
Meanwhile, six former Pheu Thai MPs in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday pledged to stay with the party in the wake of reports about mass defections.
Former deputy transport minister Prasert Chanruangthong said his group will remain loyal to the party and its policy and contest the polls on its ticket.
He said residents in the Northeast have faith in the Pheu Thai's schemes and many of the party's initiatives such as the universal health care policy have brought benefits to the public at large.