Possible split opens in former Thai Rak Thai

Chaturon Chaisang, leader of the Thai Rak Thai Group, had called former MPs to meet at the defunct party's headquarters at Navasorn Building on Rama III Road, while Sudarat Keyuraphan and Yaowapha Wongsawat also summoned ex-MPs to meet at the IFCT Building, the party's former headquarters on New Phetchaburi Road.

Key Thai Rak Thai figures are reportedly upset that Chaturon wants to form a party without the support of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

About 100 former MPs attended the IFCT Building meeting, including Newin Chidchob, a former Cabinet member who has kept a low profile since the coup last year. Surapong Suebwonglee, Pongthep Thepkanchana and Sutham Saengprathum also attended.

Pongthep dismissed claims there was a conflict between Chaturon and Sudarat. "We are the same group. Previously, we did not hold a meeting because Chaturon was busy," he said.

Pongthep said the meeting discussed the political situation, new constitution and ways to form a new party.

The atmosphere was different at Navasorn Building, where few people attended the meeting, leaving Chaturon and Kuthep Saikrajang to speak at a press briefing.

Chaturon, however, denied a conflict, saying he had been invited to attend the meeting at IFCT Building but had to go abroad for a week.

"I have just returned to the country, so I did not join with them. The meeting came from the good intentions of our members," he said.

"After the party was dissolved and executives were banned, it meant several members had to get together to run activities. Finally, the group is unifying."

Chaturon also explained why he had summoned members and held a press conference at the same time as Sudarat.

"I planned to speak to the press on Sunday, but I have been busy and had to postpone the press conference until Monday instead," he said.

Chaturon said he was ready to support members who were not banned from politics to form a new party and campaign on Thai Rak Thai policies in the election.

After the press conference, Vichet Kasemthongsri arrived at Navasorn Building and went into Chaturon's office with the group leader and Kuthep.

Chaturon then received a phone call asking him to attend the meeting at IFCT Building. He later in the afternoon joined Sudarat and Yaowapha for a meeting at the old HQ building.