Former MPs of the now defunct Move Forward party will meet on Friday to discuss the formation of a new executive committee for a new party.
Sirikanya Tansakul, a leading MP, said today that she expects the discussion go smoothly and all the former MPs will move to a new home together.
Asked about a report that some party members may be reluctant to sit on the executive committee, out of concerns that they be debarred from contesting elections if the new party is also dissolved by the Constitutional Court, she admitted that some may be worried, adding, however, that it will become clear tomorrow the exact number of the new committee members and who they will be.
Former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, meanwhile, said that a certain political system was designed to make people scared of becoming members of the executive committee of a party.
He added, however, that people who are qualified must, at least, have leadership qualities, courage and good judgment.
Pita is among 11 executive committee members of the Move Forward party who were debarred by the Constitutional Court from contesting elections, from forming a new party or from sitting on the executive committee of a party for ten years.
Regarding the popularity of a new leader, Pita said that, when he was selected the new leader of the Move Forward party about four years ago, he was looked down upon, but he has proved himself over the past several years and managed to guide the party to election victory last year.
“The new party will become a better political institution. Whether there is Pita or not, the party must sustain its popularity until the next election and we must perform much better,” said the former party leader.
An informed party source said that all 143 remaining former Move Forward MPs have already joined a new party, the name of which is expected to be unveiled tomorrow.
The party will then accept membership applications and donations.
Former party-list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said that it does not matter whether the new party leader is a man or a woman.
Sirikanya Tansakul has been tipped as one of the favourites as the new leader.
Photo: Sirikanya Tansakul
