The Democrat Party has made it crystal clear: if there’s even a whiff of corruption within the government, they won’t hesitate to pull the plug on their coalition involvement. This staunch anti-corruption stance was proudly reiterated by the party’s secretary-general, Dech-it Khaothong, on a sunny Monday morning, his first official day as the newly-appointed deputy public health minister.
Mr. Dech-it, accompanied by his supportive wife Supaporn Kumnerdpol and his equally committed son Saksit Khaothong (an MP for Songkhla, might we add), made a heartwarming appearance at the party’s headquarters. They paid their respects to the revered Phra Mae Thorani, the Mother Earth Goddess statue, in what was a symbolic and emphatic start to his tenure.
During their special first meeting of cabinet ministers—hot on the heels of Friday’s grand swearing-in ceremony before the King—issues of corruption and the inevitable topic of constitutional amendments took center stage. Dech-it was unequivocal: “If there’s corruption in the government, the Democrat Party will immediately withdraw from the administration,” he declared, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Conversely, he assured that if the administration remains a paragon of graft-free governance, the Democrat Party is in it for the long haul, committed to serving out its full term in office. This sentiment resonated with the party’s ethos of integrity and accountability.
Before embracing their role in governance, the Democrat Party didn’t just sit idly by. Instead, they rigorously canvassed feedback from their grassroots supporters and loyal constituents through their MPs. Mr. Dech-it confidently asserted that an overwhelming majority—over 90%— were in favor of the party being part of the coalition. “No MP wants to lose an election,” he sagely noted. “So, they made their decision carefully. I spoke to party leaders in my constituency, and I believe there is 100% local support for the decision [to join the government].”
In a world where political alliances often spark controversy, the Democrats are fiercely determined to leverage their coalition to solve pressing public issues. “If we have an opportunity to solve problems for the people, why not take it? With the coalition partnership, the party must make a difference and stand out,” Mr. Dech-it passionately declared, underscoring their commitment to impactful governance.
The Democrat Party has been entrusted with two pivotal cabinet posts: Mr. Dech-it’s own position as deputy public health minister and the influential role of minister of natural resources and environment, deftly handled by party leader Chalermchai Sri-orn. To keep themselves on track, the party plans to scrutinize their performance monthly, with a comprehensive evaluation to be released every three to six months.
However, not everyone sang praises. A National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) survey, conducted on September 2-3, revealed some skepticism among the populace. The survey, which queried 1,310 respondents aged 18 and over, unveiled that 54% were staunchly against the Democrat Party joining the government, while another 14% expressed doubts.
In stark contrast, a meager 12% threw their full support behind the move, while 11% offered tentative approval. About 6% seemed indifferent, expressing no interest whatsoever. When probed about their voting intentions in the next election, a significant 41% announced they wouldn’t vote for Democrat candidates, whereas only 17% affirmed their unwavering loyalty to the party.
It’s a complex political tapestry being woven in the aftermath of these shifting alliances and public opinions. But one thing is for sure: the Democrat Party is poised to make their mark, and they’re not compromising on their principles. Whether this stance will resonate with the wider electorate remains the million-dollar question. All eyes are now on the Democrats, as their performance in the administration unfolds and the political clock ticks towards the next election.
Dech-it’s commitment to anti-corruption is inspiring, but I wonder how realistic it is given the political landscape.
It’s just political grandstanding. They’ll always find a reason to stay in power.
Agreed. Politicians don’t genuinely care about corruption, only about their own interests.
I hope you’re wrong, but I understand the skepticism. Only time will tell.
People are so cynical these days. Let’s give the guy a chance! His stance can foster real change.
Nathaniel, we’ve seen this movie before. Stances like this rarely translate into action.
Actions speak louder than words. If they’re so committed, let’s see some results first.
Yes, but they need support to make those actions happen. Being pessimistic from the get-go doesn’t help.
The public obviously has mixed feelings, and the survey numbers don’t lie. 54% are against the Democrats joining the government.
But what about the 46% who support or are indifferent? Let’s not dismiss them!
Indifference isn’t support. That 46% is hardly a ringing endorsement.
I’m glad to see someone prioritizing integrity for a change. It’s rare in politics.
Tamara, politicians always talk about integrity until they get in office. Then it’s business as usual.
I see your point, but we can’t lose hope completely. Positive change starts with high standards.
Corruption is so deeply rooted in politics. One party can’t just wish it away.
Exactly! It’s systemic. And leaving the government won’t fix anything.
True, but refusing to tolerate corruption could force other parties to be more accountable.
Dech-it seems like he genuinely wants to do the right thing. Too bad the public isn’t buying it.
The public has been burned too many times. Trust is hard to rebuild.
You’re right, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give him a chance.
No politician keeps their promises. This is just noise.
Ravi, that’s a bit harsh. Can’t we be a little optimistic?
Being optimistic in politics just sets you up for disappointment.
Interesting to see if they really pull out of the coalition if corruption is found. Bold move.
The survey results are clear: most people don’t trust the Democrats. That speaks volumes.
I’m curious about the internal dynamics. How united is the party on this anti-corruption stance?
Good question, Molly. Even if the leaders are sincere, internal dissent could undermine their efforts.
It’s refreshing to hear a politician talk tough on corruption, but I’m skeptical about actual follow-through.
Same here, Alex. Words are cheap. We need to see action.
Indeed, Bella. Let’s pressure them to hold true to their commitments.
Chalermchai Sri-orn also has a pivotal role. Interested to see how they tackle these challenges together.
The real test will be if they can work cohesively under the pressure of public scrutiny.
It’s all smoke and mirrors. Politicians like Dech-it just say what they think the public wants to hear.
The fact that Mr. Dech-it brought his family for the ceremony shows he’s trying to create a good image.
Or it’s just a PR stunt. Politicians love those.
Either way, it’s working. It grabbed our attention.
70% against joining the government and still they went ahead. Seems they don’t respect the will of the people.
The Democrat Party is trying to differentiate itself. Bold moves like this could help.
Monthly performance reviews are a great idea. It keeps them accountable.
Yes, but will they actually publish honest results? That’s the real question.
It’s easy to make promises from the outside. Let’s see how they handle office.