Pheu Thai reportedly courts Democrat to form alliance against Gen Prayut
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In a bid to block Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s comeback after the general election, Pheu Thai Party has approached its erstwhile political rival, the Democrat Party, with the possibility of forming a political alliance, according to an informed Pheu Thai source.
Pokin Polakul, a Pheu Thai key figure, was reported to have been assigned to discuss the overture with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. .
The past round of talks was conducted at the office of a well-known law firm, Dharmniti, In Pathumwan district, said the source.
“They’ve already discussed a proposal to support a candidate from the Democrat Party to become the next prime minister even if Pheu Thai wins the most seats in the House,” said the source.
“Phue Thai wants to unite with Democrat because it aims to prevent the military regime and its allies from clinging on power. The National Council for Peace and
Order now has in hand 250 [prospective] senators,” said the source.
Pheu Thai will today hold a meeting to review party regulations to ensure they are in line with the organic laws on election.
A large number of former MPs and party members on Tuesday met ahead of today’s meeting to discuss the political situation and potential candidates for the party’s selection of its new leader.
Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan was expected to emerge as the party’s new leader after ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had signaled to soften the party’s political stance and get someone else who isn’t a member of the Shinawatra clan to lead the party instead, said the same source.
Mr Pokin, meanwhile, admitted e did meet with Abhisit recently, but did not elaborate.
When asked about the possibility that Pheu Thai and Democrat parties can work together, he said he could not answer the question for the time being.
He made clear that the party would not work with any party which supports the military regime.
