The Klattham Party (Kth), led by Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao and Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, has just recently emerged publicly and has yet to contest a major general election. However, it is becoming one of the most closely watched parties as its membership surges to number one, with a goal of winning 80 seats in the 2026 election. What is the secret behind this daring party?
Although the party was founded only recently and has not yet faced a large-scale general election, its strategy of attracting major factions, celebrities, and both new and established political groups to join has resulted in more than 25 MPs currently affiliated (latest parliamentary data). These MPs come from small parties and have become a significant voice within the government coalition, spanning from the Pheu Thai era to the current Bhumjaithai government.
Klattham has contested only one by-election and achieved victory in Nakhon Si Thammarat's 8th district, where Mr. Kongkiat Ketsombat defeated candidates from Bhumjaithai, Democrat, and Prachachon parties by more than 10,000 votes. This victory planted the party's flag in the south and declared it a contender for the region's voter base.
In early October, Lt. Col. Thammanat unveiled prospective candidates and stated at one point that the party already had 80 MPs, reflecting its grand plan to penetrate constituencies nationwide.
Breaking down the MPs of Klattham, they come from three main groups.
The first group is the 'Palang Pracharath Party'. Nineteen MPs who were expelled from Palang Pracharath joined Klattham, led by Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, Phai Lik, Attakorn Sirilattayakorn, and Akkarasaenkiri Lohvira.
The second group is small minor parties. Four MPs from New Social Power Party, New Party, Local Thai Party, and Teachers for the People Party.
Additionally, other members include Mr. Ekkarat Changlao from Bhumjaithai, who has been suspended from parliamentary duties, Mr. Kongkiat Ketsombat, the by-election winner in Nakhon Si Thammarat's 8th district, and Mr. Kris Chivathammanon, a 'snake' MP from the People’s Party who is physically and mentally with Klattham but still officially registered with the Orange Party.
According to the latest data from the Election Commission (EC) on 4 Nov 2023 GMT+7, Klattham is the party with the largest membership, totaling 181,551 people, surpassing the third-generation Orange Party which has 107,245 members. This has raised questions about the party’s strategies for attracting mass membership.
Previously, several political activists commented on the party's membership recruitment. Among them, Sombat Boonngam-anong posted that one party handed out rice to hill tribe people along with a document to sign, which turned out to be a party membership application.
"One political party distributed rice to hill tribe people and said they needed to sign a receipt document along with a copy of their ID card. It turned out that the document was a party membership form. When I checked the online system, I found that I had already become a member of that party."
"This party really dares to do that."Post by Sombat Boonngam-anong.
Moreover, on social media, people have raised concerns about finding their names listed as party members without their consent. Mr. Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC secretary, stated that if these cases are verified, strict penalties will be imposed, but investigations are still ongoing.