Veteran politician Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya has been appointed as chief adviser to the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) which has expressed hopes of winning about 50-60 House seats in the next general election.
Gen Thammarak, 87, said on Monday that he accepted PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s invitation to return to politics after being away for several years, noting that the current political situation appeared chaotic with politicians being lured to switch parties with offers.
He said he would serve only as an adviser, not as an MP candidate, focusing on elections and national security, and he would put to good use his experience with the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party, of which he served as deputy leader.
According to Gen Thammarak, he was responsible for managing TRT’s election campaigns in the Northeast, where the party won 126 out of 136 seats.
He added that the next polls, expected early next year, would be fiercely contested.
Gen Thammarak suggested PPRP focus on clear policies and effective communication with the public.
His return was unveiled as the PPRP opened its new headquarters in Bangkok’s Bang Pho area following the departure of former secretary-general Santi Promphat (PPRP), who defected to the ruling Bhumjaithai Party. The new office replaced the previous one linked to Mr Santi.
Gen Prawit urged members to stay united and keep fighting as he presided over the opening of the new head office.
Some key party figures, including party deputy leader Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, did not attend amid reports that he has resigned from the party.
PPRP acting secretary-general Pakarathorn Thianchai expressed confidence in Gen Thammarak’s experience and calibre, saying the party would hope to win 50-60 seats in the next polls.
He said the party’s core policies focus on national stability, economic improvement and upholding the monarchy, adding that the party welcomes capable, honest people who want to work for the country.
Mr Pakarathorn also confirmed that Gen Prawit would be one of the party’s prime ministerial candidates, although the two other potential candidates had yet to be discussed.