Reorganization is essential for the Pheu Thai Party

In a significant development in Thai politics, Pheu Thai Party veteran Somkid Cheukong has announced the formation of a new party, "Thai Sang Thai," and clarified rumors of his potential defection.

Mr Cheukong, a former MP for Ubon Ratchathani and former deputy secretary-general to former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has emphasized that switching parties at his age is impossible. However, he described party realignments as "natural" in Thai politics.

Mr Cheukong has been a prominent figure in Thai politics for many years, and his decision to leave Pheu Thai comes after the party moved to the opposition benches following the recent election. He has stated that the current state of Pheu Thai is a "period of weakness with no advantage."

Rumors of Mr Cheukong's defection to the Bhumjaithai Party or another bloc have been circulating, but he has dismissed these rumors as an insult. Outgoing Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has also dismissed similar rumors, stating that a return to government for Pheu Thai depends on how it adapts to new political realities.

Mr Cheukong has cleared out his office inside Government House and has returned home to Ubon Ratchathani. He has also noted that Pheu Thai's northeastern MPs have begun internal discussions about the next election. Pheu Thai MPs have started to prepare to reorganize as an opposition party.

Somkid Cheukong has congratulated new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his government, and he believes the democratic system allows parties to transition between government and opposition. He has stressed that remaining in opposition is not a permanent state for anyone.

The new PM's cabinet line-up will be revealed later, and it remains to be seen how the political landscape will continue to evolve in the coming months. Mr Cheukong's decision to form a new party marks a significant shift in Thai politics, and it will be interesting to see how this development affects the political landscape in the coming years.