New Economic party leader Mingkwan Sangsuwan has dismissed as groundless media reports that his party has switched sides to join the Palang Pracharat-led coalition alliance.

In a statement issued Saturday afternoon,  Mingkwan stated that the New Economics party had never held talks nor agreed to join forces with the Palang Pracharat party.

The statement was in response to widespread criticism from and demands for Mingkwan to state clearly the party’s stance on this matter.

The reports quoting an unnamed source said Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak had personally approached Mingkwan to join the Palang Pracharat’s coalition and the latter had agreed.

The reports added that the Palang Pracharat-led coalition alliance now has the support of Bhumjaithai, Chart Thai Pattana, Chart Pattana and Ruam Palang Prachachart Thai parties, as well as 12 smaller parties.

The pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party, which is making a rival effort to form a coalition, had earlier claimed to have the support of Mingkwan’s party.