The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on Sunday declared itself to be a force to be reckoned with as it admitted dozens of politicians into its fold, including Pheu Thai heavyweights from the much-hyped Sam Mitr group.
In his welcome address to the party's general assembly, PPRP secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong said with its impressive number of members, the party could not be taken lightly at the general election.
As he asked the new members, who range from former cabinet ministers to political novices, to stand, Mr Sontirat said: "This is a new chapter. It's hard to believe we're this big. How could we not win 350 (MP) seats?"
The PPRP began receiving applications from prospective members in the middle of last week, after it was endorsed as a party by the Election Commission (EC).
As expected, former transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and former labour minister Somsak Thepsuthin, two of the three "amigos", led the group of 60 politicians to apply as members.
Two Sam Mitr group co-leaders, Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Somsak Thepsuthin (both in black suits), formally join the Palang Pracharath Party at its general meeting on Sunday. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
Known as Sam Mitr (Three Allies, aka the Three Amigos), the group has been linked to the PPRP from the start and was widely seen as its recruiting arm. It persuaded several former MPs to defect to the party.
Mr Suriya said there would no longer be a Sam Mitr group, as it is now incorporated into the PPRP.
"Over the past several months I was asked when the negotiations would be over and when I would bring the group in. The EC has endorsed the party and here we are," he said. "There will no longer be Sam Mitr, just Palang Pracharath."
Mr Suriya, who is a former secretary-general of the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, said he was overwhelmed by the PPRP's "grandeur", and the TRT's launch in the past was no match for it.
According to Mr Suriya, his connections with the PPRP began in April this year when he was approached to team up with the party by a former senior figure in the TRT who wants to offer the voters a choice in the upcoming polls.
Without an alternative, the country risks being polarised after the elections, which may lead to a new round of political crisis and result in a possible coup, he said.
Mr Suriya said he has held talks with the PPRP secretary-general and agreed that the party must win big in the election.
The veteran politician said the party can expect to win at least 150 seats, and that Mr Sontirat's charisma will help the party in the election campaign.
"I'm calling on him to resign from the cabinet to lead the campaign," he said.
PPRP leader Uttama Savanayana said it is too early to say who the party will nominate as the party's prime ministerial candidate.
Asked if Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is one of the possible candidates, he said it is best to ask Gen Prayut if he is ready to carry on with the job.
The PPRP's general assembly drew a flood of veteran politicians and was seen as a forum to unveil potential candidates to stand in next year's polls.
Mr Suriya's group included former natural resources and environment minister Somboon Rengsomboonsuk; former social development and human security minister Santi Prompat; and former deputy public health minister Pinyo Nirot.
Another figure who joined the party was National Legislative Assembly member Gen Akanit Muensawat.
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