‘Group of 16’ MPs poised to join BJT

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, a core leader of the political faction known as “Group of 167 confirmed that he and his team of MPs will soon join the Bhum-jaithai (BJT) Party.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Talks are underway to straighten out whether and howincumbent MPs in the group can retain their right to contest their constituencies in the next polls, four months from now, according to Mr Suchart.

The group operates under the umbrella of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Suchart said the decision to join the BJT had been made some time ago, but out of courtesy to colleagues still tied to UTN, the announcement had been delayed.

The Group of 16, co-founded in 1992 by Newin Chidchob, who is widely respected by the BJT, has longstanding political ties with the party. Mr Suchart noted his personal relationship with Prime Minister and BJT leader Anutin Charnvirakul, as well as with BJT secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob, both ties that have lasted over a decade.