Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit has downplayed the recent resignations of several of the party's politicians, saying it was natural to lose some members when a general election is on the horizon.
The last few days have seen list MP Apichai Techa-ubon, former MP Akanat Prompan and member Prai Pattano quit the country's oldest political party.
Apparently unperturbed by the resignations, Mr Jurin insisted there was nothing extraordinary about people moving in and out of a party. What is more important is that the Democrat Party remains united, he said.
Mr Apichai was the latest to resign, leaving yesterday to join the ruling Palang Pracharath Party. He did not hand his resignation letter to the party, but gave it directly to the Election Commission.
He is executive chairman of JCK International and is believed to be a financial backer of the party.
Mr Apichai's resignation followed the departure of Mr Akanat, a former Bangkok MP. The two men did not disclose their motives for leaving the party.
Mr Akanat did not announce his future political plans. He just thanked former party leaders Chuan Leekpai and Abhisit Vejjajiva, and former party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban on his Facebook page. Mr Jurin was omitted from the farewell message.
Other key members who recently left the party include Mr Prai, a former Phatthalung MP and Nipit Intarasombat, the former Democrat deputy leader who left in January. Mr Nipit joined the Sarng Anacot Thai Party as a founding member. Mr Prai did not disclose his next political move.