Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij posted a Facebook message on Wednesday announcing he has has resigned from the Democrat Party.
Mr Korn began his post with, “Thank you, the Democrat Party’’.
The announcement said: “I had worked in the field of finance it the private sector for almost 20 years, with my last position being chairman of JP Morgan (Thailand), before quitting it to enter politics under the Democrat Party banner at the age of 39. I left the investment bank because I reached the saturation point in making a living and I did want to serve the country.
“The Democrat Party has constantly given me opportunities. The most important task given to me was the position of finance minister during one of the country’s worst financial crises. For these reasons, my bond with the party and fellow party members remains intact. Last week, I jointly approved the budget bill (for the 2020 fiscal year). This meant the government could move ahead to propel policies that I participated in drafting as the then-chairman of the policy drafting panel. Now, I think that I have already fulfilled my duty. As a result, I decided to tender my resignation, as I earlier intended.’’
He thanked the party and fellow party MPs for their friendship. He also extended his gratitude towards his supporters for giving him opportunities to work for the country.
“I will never forget every single vote given to me since 2005, when I was first a Democrat candidate. I also want to convey my thanks to all people for giving me encouragement and moral support.
“I have a dream. I’ve dreamed of building politics of change. The politics that encourage thinking and doing, with prudence but fearless. Unyieldingness, but having virtue. It must be politics that will encourage capable people in society to design and together move the country forward,’’ Mr Korn wrote.
Mr Korn made his initial announcement on Tuesday evening, when former and current Democrat MPs and supporters of the party organised a New Year’s party for former party leader and ex-prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Mr Korn and about 50 party key members, including Agriculture Minister and Democrat secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on, Deputy Public Health Minister and party deputy leader Sathit Pitudecha, another deputy party leader Ong-art Khampaiboon, and other party-list MPs attended the event. Democrat Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanavisit was absent.
During the party, Mr Korn talked with fellow MPs, saying he had decided to resign his party membership and as an MP, and would tender his resignation letter on Wednesday.
Mr Korn went on stage at the party and sang “Rak Ter Samer’’ (Love You Forever), tears rolling down his cheeks. Other party members were also in tears.
When the song ended, Mr Abhisit walked up and gave him a hug, Thai media reported.
Korn Chatikavanij posts a message on his Facebook page, saying he is resigning from the Democrat Party. He thanked the party and fellow party MPs and members for their friendship.