The Pheu Thai Party has asked members to wind down their barbs against fellow politicians who move to other parties, saying the defectors will be judged at the poll.
Pheu Thai acting secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said Sunday that criticism against defectors should be avoided, and it would be best for all sides to try and maintain their friendships with colleagues to chose to step across the floor.
"It's essential that we respect the politicians' decisions [to move to another party]. We'll wait for election day when the voters will be the judge of their actions," he told party members.
He added that spaces freed up by departures will allow Pheu Thai to empower a younger generation of issue-led rather than career-driven politicians for whom integrity rather than personal reward is the priority.
Reacting to Mr Phumtham's call, former Pheu Thai MP for Phrae Worawat Ua-apinyakul alleged some politicians facing criminal investigations were being "pushed" to quit their parties due to threats to expedite proceedings against them.
Meanwhile, the Sam Mitr or Three Allies group, accused of engineering the plan to round up defectors, will make its debut with a bang, says the group's secretary Pirom Polwiset, the former Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima.
He said the group has not decided when it will make a formal bow on the political scene although he insisted it will be soon. "And it will be a grand affair," the former MP said.
The group has denied it was poaching former MPs mostly from the Pheu Thai for the Phalang Pracharat Party which would support Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's return as premier after the next election.
Mr Pirom said the group was unfazed by threats from a Pheu Thai former MP to produce audio detailing how money is being offered in exchange for defections.
He did not think Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak had inside information about Sam Mitr's activities. Mr Somkid has dismissed allegations he is the third Sam Mitr "ally" in addition to the two core leaders: former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkij and former industry minister Somsak Thepsuthin.
