Chalermchai Sri-on was elected the new Democrat Party leader on December 9, 2023. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
In an unexpected turn of events, the Democrat Party decided on Thursday to join forces with the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, despite having long regarded it as their political arch-enemy. The vote saw Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on, along with executive members and MPs, cast their ballots, with the majority favoring the coalition move. A few members chose to abstain, while others chose to skip the meeting altogether.
The Democrat Party received an invitation from Pheu Thai after the latter severed ties with the Palang Pracharath Party due to internal disagreements. For the Democrats, this was a noteworthy pivot. They haven’t won a general election since 1998 when Thaksin Shinawatra’s Thai Rak Thai party emerged victorious. Notable figures in the party’s history, like former prime minister Chuan Leekpai, have ardently opposed any alliance with Pheu Thai. Mr. Chuan even cautioned that this alliance could further damage the popularity of Thailand’s oldest political entity, which has roots dating back to 1946.
On Wednesday, Dej-id Kaothong, who was recently elected as the party’s deputy leader, defended the decision. “Everyone should realize that the past and present are not the same,” he stated, following an invitation to join Pheu Thai’s cabinet.
Nonetheless, the decision has not sat well with many of the party’s core members and supporters. Prior to the final vote, Sirichok Sopha, a long-standing former Democrat MP for Songkhla, resigned from the party, ending over three decades of membership. Citing irreconcilable differences in political philosophy and party policies, Sirichok’s departure was a blow to the party’s unity.
His resignation highlighted underlying tensions within the Democrat Party. “Before the board’s final decision on Thursday night, I made my choice to leave the country’s oldest running political party,” Sirichok lamented. He expressed a sentiment shared by some that more members might follow in his footsteps. However, he also believed he would be among the last to do so, given the previous departures of other longtime members.
Adding to the controversy, Watanya Bunnag, a well-known Democrat, took to Facebook to express her discontent. “Let bygones be bygones? Or let your supporters down?” she questioned. Watanya criticized the MPs supporting the coalition with Pheu Thai and urged them to uphold their duty to voters by maintaining checks and balances. She warned that joining forces with Pheu Thai might completely shatter the dwindling trust among the party’s supporters.
She voiced a poignant reminder, “Even though the Democrat Party has not won the election in over two decades and has endured significant political strife, resulting in now having only 25 MPs, it has never before lost its integrity.”
I can’t believe the Democrats are joining forces with Pheu Thai! This feels like a betrayal to their core values and long-standing supporters.
Sometimes political alliances need to evolve to address current challenges. Sticking to old rivalries doesn’t always benefit the country.
But what about integrity and staying true to one’s principles? This coalition seems more like desperation than strategy.
This is politics, not a high school feud. Parties need to adapt to survive!
Adapting is one thing, but compromising principles is another. This could erode public trust even further.
Governing isn’t always black and white. Cooperation might bring positive changes. Let’s see how it unfolds before judging.
Judging by past Pheu Thai policies, I doubt it will be positive.
Thailand’s political scene is like a soap opera. Coalitions, betrayals, and drama. Popcorn, anyone?
Never fails to entertain! But seriously, it’s about the country’s future, not just a show.
This ‘drama’ has real consequences. People’s lives and livelihoods are at stake.
Chalermchai is making history with this coalition. It could be a masterstroke or the downfall of the Democrat Party.
The Democrats haven’t won an election in decades. Maybe this coalition is their only chance to stay relevant.
Watanya’s right. This coalition might backfire. Trust is already low among supporters.
Totally agree. How can the Democrats regain voter trust after such drastic moves?
Exactly. Long-term trust is hard to rebuild, especially if the coalition fails to deliver.
Or it might show their flexibility and capacity for modern politics. Time will tell.
Aligning with Pheu Thai feels like selling out. They should’ve stayed independent.
People should chill and see the bigger picture. The Democrat Party needs to adapt or die.
Chalermchai has a tough job ahead. Balancing old loyalties with new political realities is tricky.
True. He’ll need all the political savvy he can muster.
This coalition might pave the way for more efficient governance. Fingers crossed!
I just hope this doesn’t lead to more political instability. Thailand needs stability!
Coalitions can be unstable, but what if this one brings much-needed change?
Internal party conflicts are bound to emerge. This is a recipe for disaster.
It’s sad to see long-standing members like Sirichok leave. The party’s identity is in crisis.
Change always brings challenges. Let’s see if Chalermchai can steer through them.
Joining Pheu Thai might alienate the Democrats’ traditional voter base. Risky move!
This coalition could bring fresh perspectives and policies. I’m cautiously optimistic.
Adapting politically is different from abandoning principles. A dangerous game!
Elections are about winning and governance. Pragmatism should outweigh idealism.
Democrats should have sought alliances elsewhere. Pheu Thai was never a natural partner.
What’s next? Climate action or corruption charges? This coalition could go anywhere.
Remember when political parties had clear lines and we knew what they stood for? Those were the days.
Let’s not jump to conclusions. This could be the start of something good for the country’s political landscape.
Change is the only constant. The Democrat Party has to evolve to stay relevant.
Evolution is good, but this feels more like a panic move than a strategic plan.
Politics aside, what does this mean for policy-making? Will Thailand see any real changes?