Sam Mitr faction leaders have confirmed they will still back Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as the prime ministerial candidate of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).
Somsak Thepsutin, chair of the PPRP’s strategic panel and a core member of the Sam Mitr group, said the group remains loyal to the party following rumours of a return to the Pheu Thai Party.
He expressed confidence that the party and Gen Prayut will return to Government House even though Gen Prayut cannot serve a full term if re-elected.
PPRP deputy leader Suriya Juangroongruangkit said on Tuesday the faction will continue supporting the party and Gen Prayut in the next election contest.
He also praised the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic hardship brought by the Russia-Ukraine war, which he said will help the party win votes in the next poll.
According to a PPRP source, the Sam Mitr faction has between 15-20 MPs in the constituency and party-list systems under its wing and their support is crucial to Gen Prayut amid rumours of mass defections.
Meanwhile, Gen Prayut reportedly assured PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon that he would remain with the PPRP.
The assurance was given after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting when Gen Prayut approached Gen Prawit and told the latter that: “I’m not going anywhere! We seem to have to clear the air every day.”
Gen Prayut’s action was believed to be triggered by reports that he might join the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party led by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
Gen Prawit also declined to comment on speculation that Capt Thamanat Prompow, a former PPRP secretary-general, would rejoin the Pheu Thai Party.