Anutin welcomes ‘Baan Yai’ firepower

Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul has welcomed several prominent politicians from Nakhon Ratchasima's influential "Baan Yai" (Big House) political clan, as well as some former Pheu Thai Party MPs, who have officially joined the BJT ahead of the next general election.

- POST REPORTERS

Those switching sides included Kosol Patama, incumbent Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima; Phongsakorn Annopphon, former Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen; Thawirat Rattanaset, former Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima; and Tattirat Rattanaset, son of veteran politician Wirat Rattanaset. The group submitted their membership applications to join the BJT in preparation for the upcoming polls.

Mr Anutin said the move underscored that the government was on track to dissolve the House within four months, reaffirming that all political parties must now prepare for elections expected early next year.

"We're all one family," he said. "I've known Mr Phongsakorn for over 30 years -- we once belonged to the same party, and I've always respected him as an elder brother. Mr Thawirat and Mr Tattirat are like my own nephews. We've known each other for a long time."