Former deputy PM Somkid elected Sang Anakot Thai chairman

The party, whose name means “Building Thailand’s Future”, held a special meeting of its executive board on Wednesday and the board voted to make Somkid the party chairman.

The executive board meeting was held at Rama Gardens Hotel on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road to make preparations for contesting the next general election, which will be held after the current House completes its term in March.

The meeting was attended by some 300 of the party’s tentative election candidates.

The meeting was chaired by party leader Uttama Savanayana and attended by executives, including party secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong, deputy leader and southern region chairman Nipit Intarasombat, deputy leader and northeastern region chairman Supol Fongngam, and deputy leader Suranan Vejjajiva, chairman of the Bangkok area.

Sang Anakot Thai was formed by Uttama and Sontirat, former leader and secretary-general of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Uttama and Sontirat formed the PPRP to support former coup leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha to the post of prime minister only to see themselves removed from top posts of the party and the Cabinet later, prompting them to leave the PPRP and form the new party

Uttama said the meeting was informed that Somkid had joined Sang Anakot Thai as a member on September 2.

He said Somkid was given the chairmanship so that he would steer the party’s strategies for the country’s development.

Uttama said the meeting was held to make preparations for contesting the next election so that all party members would work in the same direction.

The meeting was also held to express the party's readiness to step in and solve the country’s issues and tackle the economic hardship of the people, Uttama added.