The opposition Move Forward party expelled one of its key members, Padipat Suntiphada, on Thursday, paving the way for him to retain his position as a deputy House speaker under a new political banner.
The decision, which was announced in a statement issued late Thursday night, is seen as a calculated move by the opposition party to strengthen its legislative role.
Padipat, who was appointed deputy House speaker in early July, has 30 days to switch to a new political party to keep his MP status. At least two opposition political parties have indicated that they are ready to welcome the 42-year-old politician.
Padipat’s expulsion has been long anticipated as a tactical move, to ensure that the post of deputy House speaker will remain in the hands of Move Forward’s allies, while it performs its duties as the main opposition party.
In the statement, Move Forward said its executive committee and MPs have resolved that its newly-appointed leader Chaithawat Tulathon will accept the post of opposition leader. Constitutionally, however, the party cannot hold the post of House speaker or deputy House speaker at the same time as the leadership of the opposition.
The statement said the party tried unsuccessfully to convince Padipat to vacate his deputy House speakership. “Padipat has stated his intention to continue to perform his duty as deputy House speaker, to ensure that the House functions with efficiency, transparency and takes the people’s interests into account,” it read.
It said Padipat also wants to oversee the completion of the long-delayed handover of the parliament building, to ensure transparency.
“Since Padipat insists on continuing his role as deputy House speaker, Move Forward Party finds it necessary to expel him, to conform to its regulations and the Constitution, so that it can play the full-fledged role of the opposition,” the statement read.
Padipat has not yet indicated which party he intends to join. At least two opposition parties, Fair and Thai Sang Thai, have indicated that they will be happy to welcome him.
