Political Realignment in Thailand: Silpa-archa and Allies Defect to Bhumjaithai Party
Thailand’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift as Warawut Silpa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party (CHT), announced the move of himself and key members to the Bhumjaithai Party (P.T.) on November 23rd. The move, occurring after the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Bhumjaithai Party, signals a strategic realignment ahead of the upcoming elections and a consolidation of power within the P.T.
The defection includes not only Warawut and members of the CHT, but also the political groups led by Sonthaya Khunpluem and Piya Pitutecha, representing significant political forces in Chonburi and Rayong provinces respectively. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the P.T., confirmed the alliance, stating that all groups share “the same goals, objectives, and intentions” to serve the people and drive national progress.
“When parliament is dissolved, all of you will work together to serve the country. Brothers and sisters in the name of the Bhumjaithai Party,” Anutin declared, emphasizing the unified front the P.T. aims to present.
Despite the move, Warawut was quick to dispel rumors of a complete departure of the Silpa-archa family from the CHT. He asserted that the core of the party remains intact, with Nikorn Chamnong, director of the CHT, scheduled to address the matter in a press conference. “Today there are still arts and arts, and the elders of the Thai development nation still carrying out party activities. I didn’t leave it anywhere. The party is still here,” Warawut stated.
The decision to join the P.T. was driven by a desire for greater efficiency in serving constituents in Nakhon Pathom, Roi Et, and Suphan Buri provinces. Warawut explained that aligning with the P.T. would allow them to leverage the support of various government agencies more effectively. He also acknowledged the pragmatic reality of Thailand’s political system, noting that smaller parties often find it advantageous to join larger ones. “It is not wrong for a small party to move into a big party,” he said.
Warawut, the youngest son of former Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa, highlighted the agreement reached among CHT members, emphasizing their belief that their constituents would understand the move and recognize the potential for increased effectiveness. He pointed to his previous role overseeing the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, where he found that a single agency often lacked the resources to address complex problems. “But when many agencies come in, they will be able to work more efficiently for the people,” he explained.
The shift follows previous speculation in October regarding a potential move by the Suphan Buri party leader to the Pheu Thai Party (PAT), even fueling rumors of a possible prime ministerial candidacy. These reports were subsequently denied by both the leader and the C.T.P.
The Silpa-archa family has a long and influential history in Thai politics. Warawut, who served as the sole prime ministerial candidate for the CHT in the 2023 election – a bid ultimately disqualified due to the party’s limited representation in the House of Representatives – continued to hold a ministerial position under both the Seththa and Pae Thong Than governments.
Historically, the CHT has maintained a strong base in the central region, particularly in Suphan Buri, Banharn Silpa-archa’s hometown. However, recent electoral trends indicate a weakening of this stronghold, with increasing competition from parties like the Kao Klai/People’s Party. While the C.T.P. still secured five seats in Suphan Buri, their margins of victory have narrowed, with some districts seeing differences as small as 19,000 votes. The party also experienced losses in Nakhon Pathom Province, where two districts were won by the Orange Party.
Warawut’s political network extends beyond the CHT, encompassing strong ties with figures from the Blue Party, including Newin Chidchob and Chada Thaiset, both alumni of the Thai Nation/Chat Phatthana parties. He also maintains relationships with younger politicians like Paradorn and Kornwee Prisanananthakul, and Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the Prime Minister’s Office Spokesman.
Joining Warawut in the move to the P.T. are key figures including Sonthaya Khunpluem, leader of the Ban Yai group in Chonburi, and Piya Pitutecha, President of the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) in Rayong. Sonthaya emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We have a goal of working together…to build trust from the people.” Piya, brother of Democrat Party candidate selection committee chairman Sathit Pitutecha, cited Anutin’s policy of decentralization as a key factor in their decision, believing it would benefit the development of Rayong Province.
Additionally, two Isaan MPs from the Pheu Thai Party, Sarasanun Anannopporn of Khon Kaen and Sudarat Phithakphonpanlop of Ubon Ratchathani, have also joined the P.T., having been previously introduced as candidates at a Pheu Thai event in October.
The realignment underscores the fluid nature of Thai politics and the strategic maneuvering of parties as they prepare for future elections. The Bhumjaithai Party, bolstered by these new alliances, appears poised to become a dominant force in the next political cycle. .
