Photo: Pheu Thai party secretary general Sorawong Thienthong (2nd from L) presents invitation letter to Democrat's secretary general Det-it Khaotong at the Democrat party headquarters.
The Democrat party has already received an official invitation letter from the ruling Pheu Thai party to join its coalition, in place of the divided Palang Pracharath party.
The letter, dated yesterday and signed by Pheu Thai party secretary general Sorawong Thienthong, was handed to Det-it Khaothong, Democrat party secretary-general in the parliament building, today.
It says that the Pheu Thai party has decided to invite the Democrat party to join the coalition to help in the national administration for the benefit of the country and its people, because the Democrats have personnel who are capable and can work with the Pheu Thai party.
Sorawong told the media that last night that he had informed Democrat party leader Chalermchai Sri-on and Det-it that the letter would be delivered to the party today.
Asked whether the two parties, which have been arch political enemies, can work in harmony, Sorawong referred to Det-in’s remark “the past is the past”, adding “for the present, every MP has one ultimate objective, which is to move the country forward with the people.” “It is about the time to leave the conflict behind,” said Sorawong.
Det-it, meanwhile, thanked the Pheu Thai party for having faith in the Democrats. He said that the situation over the past 2-3 decades was different from today, the problems and ideas are also different.
Regarding opposition voiced by former party leader Chuan Leekpai and other party members, Det-it said that, when there is a resolution from the party’s executive committee and MPs, all party members must comply with the decision.
The party’s executive committee and MPs are scheduled to meet tomorrow to approve, or otherwise, the party’s inclusion in the coalition.
The Democrats are expected to receive two out of the four cabinet sets earlier allocated to the Palang Pracharath party. The two remaining seats are being reserved for the Palang Pracharath’s rebel faction, led by Thammanat Prompao.
