Bangkok: "Rambo," also known as Mr. Sek Sakol Atthawong, has announced his intention to reclaim leadership of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party by dismissing current leader Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga. This move comes in response to allegations that Mr. Pirapan has fostered division within the party, prioritizing his inner circle over broader party unity.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sek Sakol, the founder of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, expressed his concerns following a dinner where party MPs hinted at possibly defecting to a new party under Mr. Suchart Chomklin's leadership. Mr. Sek Sakol stated that he has received multiple calls from MPs voicing their worries about internal discord. The unrest is attributed to Mr. Pirapan, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, with accusations of creating an unwelcoming environment and focusing only on his allies. Mr. Sek Sakol emphasized that Mr. Pirapan's leadership has led to a decline in the party's cohesion and strength.
Further complicating matters, Mr. Pirapan faces a complaint filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which remains unaddressed. Concerns have been exacerbated by Mr. Pirapan's absence during significant events, such as the first reading of the 2026 budget bill, opting instead to travel abroad. He has also been accused of appointing individuals associated with his company to state enterprise boards under his supervision, raising potential conflict of interest issues.
Mr. Sek Sakol conveyed his distress over the potential exodus of MPs from the party and emphasized his openness to new leadership, provided the leader is ethical, selfless, and committed to maintaining unity. He called for Mr. Pirapan's resignation if he cannot bridge the party's divisions, insisting on the return of the party to its founding principles.
Source: Thai News Agency