NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Chartpattana members agreed on Monday to rename the party to present a new image after it opened arms to former Kla executives.
The general assembly of the Chartpattana Party approved its new name, Chartpattanakla, to reflect the inclusion of former Kla Party leader Korn Chatikavanij and other Kla members.
Mr Korn led a parade of 40 former Kla members, including Kobsak Sabhavasu and Atavit Suwanpakdee, in joining the new party.
Kla means dare or courage in English.
Chartpattanakla chairman Suwat Liptapallop said the new name underlined the courage of the party to help develop the country.
Mr Suwat said the newcomers from Kla woould strengthen the new party's economic team.
Korn was the finance minister under the premiership of Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat Party. He left the Democrats to form Kla in 2020 and said in an interview with the Bangkok Post that he is ready to be the next prime minister.
Kla contested for district councillors in the election in May but none of its candidates were elected.
Mr Korn on Monday was named a new executive member of Chartpattanakla and Mr Kobsak was assigned to lead the economic team.
Tewan Liptapallop remains the party leader.
The new name will become official after the party informs the Election Commission about the change.
