Suriya Wong-aree, a People’s Party MP for Udon Thani’s Constituency 7, who defied his party’s resolution during the prime ministerial vote, was seen sitting among Bhumjaithai MPs during the House session on Wednesday.
At the House of Representatives meeting, chaired by House Speaker Sophon Zaram, lawmakers debated an urgent motion on rising energy prices driven by conflict in the Middle East.
During the session, Mr Suriya was seated with Bhumjaithai MPs in the rear rows of the chamber, next to Adisak Kaewmungkhunsub, an Udon Thani MP who previously belonged to the Thai Sang Thai Party before joining Bhumjaithai.
Mr Suriya was the only People's Party MP who went against the party’s resolution in the prime ministerial vote on March 19. He backed Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul for prime minister instead of Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the People's Party leader and its nominated candidate.
In response, the People’s Party resolved to “freeze” the renegade MP - a political sanction aimed at preventing him from collaborating freely with rival parties. Party members concluded that sidelining him would be more beneficial than expulsion, as removing him would cost the party one House seat and potentially reduce its quota for chairing standing committees.
During a weekly meeting of the People's Party on Tuesday, members debated whether to expel Mr Suriya, pursue legal action regarding his MP status, or impose internal disciplinary measures.
The majority ultimately backed the freeze approach, seeking to limit his political manoeuvring while retaining the party’s parliamentary strength.
Mr Suriya is the first "cobra" from the opposition party. With his vote, Mr Anutin received 293 counts to become Thailand's 32nd prime minister on March 19, despite his Bhumjaithai-led coalition numbering 292 MPs.
Earlier, Mr Suriya had gone against party directives by collecting his MP certification and reporting to parliament on March 2, well ahead of a reporting date of March 9 that was agreed for all 120 of the party’s parliamentary members.
