Former prime minister and Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says he is prepared to return to the party, if it returns to its previous political ideology, but restoring its popularity and image will not be as easy.
He said that the move by the party, under the leadership of Chalermchai Sri-on, to join the Pheu Thai-led coalition has upset many veteran party members, among them three former party leaders, Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan and Jurin Laksanawisit, who disagree with the strategy, which was endorsed by the majority of the party’s executive committee and MPs.
Abhisit admitted, though, that he was not surprised by the party’s decision, adding that he was aware of such a direction when he quit the party, after a discussion with Chalermchai last December.
He said that, in the past few days, a number of people have shared their negative views about the Democrats joining in the coalition but, since the current party leadership had made the decision, they should be held accountable.
Abhisit said he wonders how the Democrat party, with only two cabinet seats in the new government, will be able to implement its policies and restore the party’s popularity, adding that the party’s presence will not enhance the government’s stability per se. The only tangible gain for the party, he added, is the promise of the two cabinet seats.
He dismissed the argument, forwarded by some, that the situation has changed and the party’s political stance has had to change accordingly, so there is no need remain too attached to the old ideology.
He maintains, though, that it is only the party’s ideology, which he still shares, that has kept the party together.
Abhisit said that there is still an opportunity to create a new political space for people who have become disillusioned with the changing or disappearance of ideology from several parties.
The Pheu Thai party claims, in its letter of invitation to the Democrat party, that they share similar ideologies, but Abhisit said that the Pheu Thai party has not changed at all, but the Democrat party may have.
