United Thai Nation faces split as MPs demand Energy Minister’s ouster

The United Thai Nation Party is on the brink of breaking up, as a group of 21 MPs, led by Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin, submitted a letter to the premier on Monday, demanding the removal of Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the party leader, from the Cabinet.

The renegade MPs also demanded that the prime minister review the United Thai Nation party’s quota in the Cabinet, claiming that its ministers are incompetent and are not meeting public expectations.

The rebel group expressed concerns over the political ethics of an unnamed minister, who is now being investigated by both the Election and the National Anti-Corruption commissions.

While no name was mentioned, it is understood that the group is referring to Pirapan, who is under investigation for tagging survival kit bags, distributed to flood victims, with his name.

They pointed out that the act of tagging donation bags with names is a violation of Section 219 of the Constitution, which could result in the minister’s dismissal from the Cabinet if convicted.

A rift in the United Thai Nation party, between MPs led by Suchart and those loyal to Pirapan, has been going on for some time.

The latest move, for the prime minister to review the party’s membership of the coalition, potentially marks the breaking point.