The expulsion of 21 MPs from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is a done deal, said the ruling party's leader Prawit Wongsuwon as it reaffirmed its support for Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to be nominated as its prime ministerial candidate in the next election.
Gen Prawit, who is also deputy prime minister, insisted the process of purging the 21 MPs in the faction led by PPRP secretary-general Thamanat Prompow was over and done with.
Capt Thamanat was among the MPs expelled by party executives.
Gen Prawit's remark came after Somsak Pankasem, one of the 21 MPs, earlier appealed to the party to review the expulsion order. The Nakhon Ratchasima MP insisted he had no knowledge about the faction turning against the party which led to the MPs being removed from the PPRP.
Gen Prawit said the expulsion will not be reconsidered and that the 21 MPs have the choice of forming a new party.
The law requires that they find a new party within 30 days. They are free to join any party.
Gen Prawit said the new party the 21 MPs are moving to will support the coalition government. "Never fear. They still back us," he said.
According to political sources, such backing may be traded for a ministerial post in the future. However, Gen Prayut has ruled out a cabinet reshuffle anytime soon.
Gen Prawit also dismissed concerns by government chief whip Nirote Sunthornlekha that if the 21 MPs joined the opposition bloc, the coalition parties would face a crisis when it comes to mustering support to pass legislation in parliament.
So far, the 21 MPs have not announced which side they will take.
Also yesterday, Patcharin Samsiripong, the PPRP spokeswoman, said the party stands ready to propose Gen Prayut as its prime ministerial candidate in the next election.
PM's Office Minister Anucha Nakasai, who is also a PPRP executive, said the government's solidarity was intact. Any void left by the 21 MPs would not disrupt the coalition parties' work in parliament.