The Pheu Thai Party extended an olive branch to the Democrat Party on Wednesday, officially inviting them to join the new coalition government, thereby putting longstanding rivalries to rest. The symbolic gesture took place at the parliament where Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong, handed over the formal invitation to his Democrat counterpart, Det-it Khaothong. The invite wasn’t just a paper exchange; it was a headline-grabbing event with MPs from both parties in attendance.
The invitation, which the media quickly pounced on, read: “The Pheu Thai Party, as the leader in the formation of the government, believes the Democrats have the capabilities, knowledge, and ideologies to work with Pheu Thai. We would like to invite the Democrat Party to join the government and work together in running the country for the benefit of the people.”
When probed about the cabinet post distribution to the Democrats, Mr. Sorawong mentioned that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra would make the final call. Rumors were swirling that Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on might take over as the natural resources and environment minister, while Det-it Khaothong could serve as deputy public health minister.
Grateful for the opportunity, Mr. Det-it acknowledged Pheu Thai’s trust in the Democrat Party. “Our party’s executive board and MPs will meet on Thursday to endorse this bid to join the government,” he revealed. When questioned whether this new alliance might ruffle feathers among Democrat supporters, especially in their stronghold in the South, Mr. Det-it replied, “The Democrat Party has no conflict with anyone. We stand for love, understanding, and forgiveness.”
He dismissed criticism from Chuan Leekpai, a senior Democrat list MP and a former leader who opposed the alliance with Pheu Thai. Mr. Det-it firmly stated, “When a party resolution is reached, everyone must comply.” Mr. Chuan, while sticking to his stance, said he would respect the party’s decision, though he voiced concerns about individuals within the party potentially pursuing their own benefits.
The historical animosity between the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, notably during the 2010 clashes under Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government, which resulted in over 85 protests-related fatalities, seemed to loom over the reconciliation. Nonetheless, Mr. Chuan expressed that many Democrat members remained unaffected, despite some using their influence for personal gain.
Not everyone was eager to celebrate, though. Tida Tawornseth, an ex-leader of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, criticized Pheu Thai for making up with the Democrats, claiming they merely wanted power at any cost.
Meanwhile, over at the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), there was turmoil. Fuming over their expulsion from the government by Pheu Thai, they termed the move unjustifiable betrayal. Pheu Thai had announced on Tuesday, with the support of its MPs, the exclusion of the PPRP from the cabinet, pointing fingers particularly at PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon. They cited his alleged lack of value for their partnership, evidenced by his absence during key parliamentary votes, including the election of Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn as prime ministers.
PPRP’s Samat Jenchaijitwanich, a vocal member, dismissed Pheu Thai’s reasons as flimsy. Samat condemned the accusation that Gen Prawit orchestrated a petition against Srettha through 40 former coup-appointed senators, calling it a convenient blame game. He highlighted that despite internal splits, the PPRP had been cooperative, noting all 39 PPRP MPs had supported Paetongtarn during the prime ministerial vote.
Intriguingly, the PPRP wasn’t entirely booted out. The decision seemed to target Gen Prawit’s faction specifically. Capt Thamanat Prompow, the PPRP secretary-general, along with his faction, have been suggested for inclusion in the new cabinet lineup. Names like Akara Prompow and Kla Dharma Party leader Narumon Pinyosinwat surfaced as potential cabinet appointees, signaling a selective approach.
Capt Thamanat’s pre-existing rapport with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, revered by Pheu Thai, further complicates the political chessboard. The intricacies of Pheu Thai’s strategy to keep the Thamanat faction involved while sidelining Gen Prawit’s group were clear. “It’s a game of political survival,” commented a seasoned observer, noting the intense maneuvering.
Summarizing the drama, Mr. Samat noted the PPRP’s overall cooperation, especially their unanimous support for Paetongtarn. He tried to deflect the narrative away from Gen Prawit’s alleged manipulations, subtly hinting at the Democrats’ inconsistent loyalty, thereby questioning why they were included while PPRP faced the axe.
It’s shocking to see these long-time rivals joining hands. Can this alliance last?
I doubt it. Old grudges don’t just vanish because of a formal invite.
True, but if they work together, it might be better for the country. We need less division.
This is a betrayal to the core values of the Democrats. They should never have accepted it.
If Det-it can stand up to internal dissent and prove his leadership, maybe they have a chance.
Joining hands with Pheu Thai is a mistake. They’re just using the Democrats for their own gain.
Every coalition is about mutual benefits. Pheu Thai needs stability, Democrats need relevance.
I see this as merely a strategic move. Pheu Thai knew they had to include someone with experience.
Strategic but risky. Democrat supporters might not be happy. It could backfire.
Politics is always a balancing act. You win some, you lose some.
The history of violence between these parties makes this coalition seem disingenuous.
Remember how the Democrats handled the 2010 protests? Can we really trust this new alliance?
Both parties have skeletons in their closets. The important thing is forward progress.
Forward progress at what cost? Sacrificing principles for power is never the answer.
Politics always involves some compromise. Nothing new there.
I can’t believe PPRP is complaining about betrayal. They knew what they signed up for.
PPRP’s own actions led to their exclusion. You can’t miss key parliamentary votes and expect to stay included.
Det-it’s statement about love and forgiveness is laughable. It’s all about power.
Call it power or pragmatism, if it brings stability to Thailand, I’m for it.
What about Chuan Leekpai’s concerns? Is anyone thinking about long-term implications?
Chuan is old news. We need fresher perspectives and leaders willing to take risks.
This is the nature of Thai politics – alliances shift and change all the time. Nothing surprising here.
I’m more curious about how the cabinet positions will be distributed. Will it be fair?
It’s politics. ‘Fair’ is relative. They’ll distribute based on what consolidates power.
This sounds like another iron-fist tactic by PPRP. They’re always complaining when things don’t go their way.
There’s some truth to that. PPRP can’t expect loyalty when they don’t show it themselves.
Thailand’s future is at stake here. Let’s hope these politicians realize the gravity of their decisions.