Factionalism within Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharath Party has led to the a change in party leadership and the reshuffle of the cabinet, with former party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Uttama Savanayana resigning from his post and the party.
Uttama and the resignation of his faction propelled General and former coup-leader Prawit Wongsuwan to the top of the party and from the outside, it seemed as if the matter had been resolved.
But according to sources closes to the party, factionalism is once again threatening Palang Pracharath with several key members unhappy with the assignment of cabinet posts.
There have even been public outbursts, most recently by senior Palang Pracharath MP Somsak Thepsuthin who said that the government should be prepared for “aftershocks” from the cabinet decisions.
The statements were played down by both General Prawit and Prime Minister and former coup-leader Prayut Chan-ocha, who dismissed the notion that there was resentment and bitterness within the ruling coalition.
However sources inside Palang Pracharath told Thai Enquirer that both Prawit and Prayut are furious that internal news had been leaked to the press with Prayut particularly questioning the loyalty of supposed allies.
The sources added that Somsak, his close allies Anucha Nakasai and Suriya Juangroongruangkit, felt aggrieved that cabinet posts thought to be promised to them were given instead to technocrats and Prawit loyalists.
