Ex-House deputy speaker Charoen Jankomol and his son have reportedly defected from Pheu Thai to the Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party.
The TST is led by Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a former Pheu Thai chief strategist who severed ties with the party in December 2020.
Khunying Sudarat yesterday welcomed Mr Charoen and his son, Mr Thanakrit, to the party to support its goal of upholding a democratic government with the King as the head of state. Khunying Sudarat said the arrival of Mr Charoen would help strengthen the TST in the northeastern region.
Mr Charoen used to serve as House deputy speaker and chaired three House committees on agriculture and cooperatives, industry and budget management.
In addition, he was elected as an MP for Chaiyaphum seven times.
Taking into account his experience in political affairs and working for local people, Khunying Sudarat said she was confident that Mr Charoen would be able to help the party seek a way out for the country and end the political conflict that has lasted for 17 years and resulted in two coups.
Mr Charoen said he decided to join the TST due to its strong commitment to the ideal of democracy.
Furthermore, the TST is now being led by Khunying Sudarat, who is considered a competent leader with many successful performances, such as the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme and her past efforts to help Thailand combat severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and avian flu.
