Democrat party has not been invited for talks with Pheu Thai on the formation of the next government because the Democrats do not currently have a party leader or secretary-general, Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said today (Sunday).
In responding to a question raised by reporters about why the Democrats were not invited, Phumtham said that the party is scheduled to meet on August 6 to elect their new leader, secretary-general and an executive board, which is too late for the joint sitting of parliament this Thursday to select the prime minister.
The Pheu Thai party met separately with core members of the Chartthaipattana and Palang Pracharath parties this afternoon. Palang Pracharath was represented by its secretary-general Santi Promphat, Thamanat Prompao and Pai Leeke.
Pheu Thai party leader Chonlanan Srikaew and Santi were scheduled to brief the Press about their meeting, but the event was abruptly cancelled after a supporter of the Move Forward party (MFP) showered both of them with white powder.
A group of MFP supporters rallied in front of Pheu Thai party head office to protest against the invitation to Palang Pracharath for talks, claiming that Pheu Thai, during its pre-election campaign, said it would boycott Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, accusing them of being affiliated with a dictatorial regime.
Meanwhile, Chaturon Chaisang, a veteran Pheu Thai MP, said in his Facebook post that inviting the two parties was inappropriate.
He claimed that a majority of the people want a democratic government without parties which are linked to dictatorship.
