In an apparent escalating verbal attack against Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Ruam Palang Prachachart Thai party founder Suthep Thuagsuban called on supporters of the Democrats not to vote for the party and its candidates in the March 24th general election.

“Do not vote for the Democrats.  Abhisit said he would not support General Prayut’s return as prime minister and would fight against dictatorship.  What Abhisit said was similar to what the Thaksin camp has been saying. Abhisit said he opposed the 2017 Constitution which was the same stance adopted by the Thaksin camp.  It is a pity that they don’t think about Thailand,” said Suthep as he addressed a huge crowd in Tha Chang district of the southern province of Surat Thani, a traditional Democrat stronghold.

The former Democrat secretary-general said he doubted the Democrat party would be able to capture 376 House seats in the election – more than half of the 750 senators and MPs in the parliament – to win the right to form the government.

The best that the Democrats could do is to win 100 House seats, said Suthep, adding that Abhisit would have to get support from the other parties to become prime minister.

“Where else can Abhisit get another 276 MPs?  Does it mean he will have to rely on support from the Thaksin camp?  This is unacceptable,” said Suthep.