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Chalermchai Sri-on’s Leadership Marks Historic Democrat-Pheu Thai Coalition in Thailand

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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.”

37 Comments

  1. James Wong August 29, 2024

    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.

    • Tina August 29, 2024

      Sometimes political alliances need to evolve to address current challenges. Sticking to old rivalries doesn’t always benefit the country.

      • James Wong August 29, 2024

        But what about integrity and staying true to one’s principles? This coalition seems more like desperation than strategy.

  2. PhuketTraveler88 August 29, 2024

    This is politics, not a high school feud. Parties need to adapt to survive!

    • Dr. Ananya August 29, 2024

      Adapting is one thing, but compromising principles is another. This could erode public trust even further.

      • PhuketTraveler88 August 29, 2024

        Governing isn’t always black and white. Cooperation might bring positive changes. Let’s see how it unfolds before judging.

      • James Wong August 29, 2024

        Judging by past Pheu Thai policies, I doubt it will be positive.

  3. Larry D August 29, 2024

    Thailand’s political scene is like a soap opera. Coalitions, betrayals, and drama. Popcorn, anyone?

    • KittyCat123 August 29, 2024

      Never fails to entertain! But seriously, it’s about the country’s future, not just a show.

    • Joe August 29, 2024

      This ‘drama’ has real consequences. People’s lives and livelihoods are at stake.

  4. Manee August 29, 2024

    Chalermchai is making history with this coalition. It could be a masterstroke or the downfall of the Democrat Party.

  5. Somsak August 29, 2024

    The Democrats haven’t won an election in decades. Maybe this coalition is their only chance to stay relevant.

  6. Siriporn W. August 29, 2024

    Watanya’s right. This coalition might backfire. Trust is already low among supporters.

    • Nano21 August 29, 2024

      Totally agree. How can the Democrats regain voter trust after such drastic moves?

      • Siriporn W. August 29, 2024

        Exactly. Long-term trust is hard to rebuild, especially if the coalition fails to deliver.

    • TonyT August 29, 2024

      Or it might show their flexibility and capacity for modern politics. Time will tell.

  7. grower134 August 29, 2024

    Aligning with Pheu Thai feels like selling out. They should’ve stayed independent.

  8. Lata August 29, 2024

    People should chill and see the bigger picture. The Democrat Party needs to adapt or die.

  9. Vee August 29, 2024

    Chalermchai has a tough job ahead. Balancing old loyalties with new political realities is tricky.

    • Larry D August 29, 2024

      True. He’ll need all the political savvy he can muster.

  10. CocoLoco August 29, 2024

    This coalition might pave the way for more efficient governance. Fingers crossed!

  11. Sappaya August 29, 2024

    I just hope this doesn’t lead to more political instability. Thailand needs stability!

    • PhuketTraveler88 August 29, 2024

      Coalitions can be unstable, but what if this one brings much-needed change?

  12. James Wong August 29, 2024

    Internal party conflicts are bound to emerge. This is a recipe for disaster.

  13. Jessie August 29, 2024

    It’s sad to see long-standing members like Sirichok leave. The party’s identity is in crisis.

    • Manee August 29, 2024

      Change always brings challenges. Let’s see if Chalermchai can steer through them.

  14. Nan J. August 29, 2024

    Joining Pheu Thai might alienate the Democrats’ traditional voter base. Risky move!

  15. Noreen August 29, 2024

    This coalition could bring fresh perspectives and policies. I’m cautiously optimistic.

  16. Joe August 29, 2024

    Adapting politically is different from abandoning principles. A dangerous game!

  17. PhuketTraveler88 August 29, 2024

    Elections are about winning and governance. Pragmatism should outweigh idealism.

  18. Yzerman August 29, 2024

    Democrats should have sought alliances elsewhere. Pheu Thai was never a natural partner.

  19. Growler321 August 29, 2024

    What’s next? Climate action or corruption charges? This coalition could go anywhere.

  20. Tun Sawatchai August 29, 2024

    Remember when political parties had clear lines and we knew what they stood for? Those were the days.

  21. Belladonna August 29, 2024

    Let’s not jump to conclusions. This could be the start of something good for the country’s political landscape.

  22. KittyCat123 August 29, 2024

    Change is the only constant. The Democrat Party has to evolve to stay relevant.

    • Dr. Ananya August 29, 2024

      Evolution is good, but this feels more like a panic move than a strategic plan.

  23. Larry D August 29, 2024

    Politics aside, what does this mean for policy-making? Will Thailand see any real changes?

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