The Sam Mitr (Three Allies) group has stamped its mark on the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), with key members on Monday being assigned to lead the campaign for voter support in the lead up to a general election.
The pro-regime party gave Suriya Jungrungreangkij responsibility for canvassing for votes in the northeastern region, Somsak Thepsuthin to supervise campaigning in northern provinces and Anucha Nakasai the main man for the central region and provinces around Bangkok.
The capital itself will be under Natapol Teepsuwan, who joined Suthep Thaugsubanh's People's Democratic Reform Committee in its protests to shut down Bangkok before the coup in 2014.
Mr Suriya, Mr Somsak and Mr Anucha had rallied under the name Sam Mitr group to convince former MPs from other parties, mainly Pheu Thai, to jump ship to the PPRP. The three were key Pheu Thai figures before they defected.
Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, who moves from being the group's spokesman to being spokesman for the party's campaign, said after the meeting the PPRP expected strong backing from voters in all constituencies, including areas controlled by other parties, by riding on the current government's policies for the poor.
The party's candidates for the prime ministership will be disclosed during the campaigning, he added.
Palang Pracharath has indicated it favours Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to return as prime minister after the poll, as the new constitution allows an outsider to lead the government.
