In a historic turn of events, the longstanding rivalry between Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party and the Democrat Party seems to be reaching a surprising conclusion. On Wednesday, Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong extended a formal invitation to Democrat secretary-general Det-it Khaothong at the parliament, signaling a potential coalition government. This much-anticipated gesture was witnessed by MPs from both camps, marking a significant moment in Thai politics.
The invitation letter, which circulated among media outlets, 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. So, 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 questioned about the allocation of cabinet posts to the Democrats, Mr. Sorawong mentioned that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra would make the final decisions. Speculations are rife, though, with Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on rumored to be the natural resources and environment minister, while Det-it Khaothong might serve as the deputy public health minister.
Mr. Det-it expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Democrat Party is honored by Pheu Thai’s trust and the opportunity to work for the country.” He added that the party’s executive board and MPs will convene on Thursday to finalize the decision to join the new government.
Concerns were raised about the possible discontent among Democrat supporters, especially those in the South, a traditional Democrat stronghold. Addressing these concerns, Mr. Det-it reassured, “The Democrat Party has no conflict with anyone. We only have love, understanding, and forgiveness.” He also dismissed the criticism from Chuan Leekpai, a Democrat list MP and former leader opposed to the idea. “When a party resolution is reached, everyone must comply,” Mr. Det-it affirmed.
The rivalry between the two parties dates back to an intense conflict in 2010, during Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjaiva’s tenure. The clash between police and red-shirt protesters supporting Pheu Thai at the Ratchaprasong intersection tragically resulted in at least 85 deaths, primarily of protestors.
Despite his continued opposition, Mr. Chuan stated that he would voice his concerns at the upcoming party executives’ meeting but would ultimately respect the party’s decision. “Many Democrat members are still okay. Only a few have used their positions within the party to pursue personal benefits,” he remarked.
However, the move sparked criticism from Tida Tawornseth, a former co-leader of the red-shirt United Democracy against Dictatorship. She slammed Pheu Thai for making peace with the Democrats, accusing them of seeking power at any cost.
In another twist of political drama, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) lashed out at Pheu Thai’s decision to exclude them from the government, calling it unjustifiable betrayal. After weeks of uncertainty, Pheu Thai revealed that its MPs supported the exclusion of PPRP from the cabinet line-up.
Samat Jenchaijitwanich, an outspoken PPRP member and former vice minister for justice, categorically rejected Pheu Thai’s reasons. Sorawong had mentioned that Pheu Thai MPs felt uneasy working with PPRP, mainly directing their criticism at PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.
Gen Prawit’s absence during key parliamentary votes, such as the selection of Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime ministers, was noted as a significant factor. Mr. Srettha’s dismissal for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as the PM’s Office minister did not help matters either.
The internal strife within PPRP is evident, with a split between Gen Prawit’s faction and Capt Thamanat Prompow’s group, the latter currently serving as caretaker agriculture minister. Capt Thamanat indicated that while he has severed ties with Gen Prawit, he and his group would stay with the party unless expelled.
Pheu Thai’s exclusion of PPRP seemingly targeted Gen Prawit’s faction while leaving room for the Thamanat faction. Speculation is rampant, with potential cabinet posts mentioned for Akara Prompow, Capt Thamanat’s younger brother, and Kla Dharma Party leader Narumon Pinyosinwat, among others. Capt Thamanat has known former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a respected figure in Pheu Thai, for a long time.
Mr. Samat emphasized PPRP’s cooperation with Pheu Thai, highlighting that none of the parties, including PPRP, contested Paetongtarn’s premiership in the August 16 parliamentary election. He attributed Gen Prawit’s absence to hosting a celebration for Thai Olympic athletes returning from Paris.
Refuting accusations about Gen Prawit being the mastermind behind the petition against Mr. Srettha, Mr. Samat pointed out that another party, which he hinted was the Democrats, had behaved in a less friendly manner by abstaining from voting for Paetongtarn’s premiership. “Yet, that party is being included in the cabinet,” he remarked, clearly hinting at the Democrats.
This coalition is a joke. How can Pheu Thai align with the Democrats after all the bloodshed in 2010? It’s just a power grab.
You have to understand that politics is about compromise. If they can put the past behind them for the greater good, I’m all for it.
Compromise? This isn’t a negotiation. It’s a betrayal of principles. They’re just hungry for power!
Agreed. Politicians always sell out when power is at stake.
A joke or not, it’s progress. Do you want the country stuck in endless bickering?
I don’t trust Paetongtarn’s decision-making. The idea of making Chalermchai the natural resources minister is ludicrous.
Why not? Chalermchai has experience. Who do you suggest instead?
Another corrupt politician managing our natural resources? That’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Finally, the Democrats are getting some relevance back. They need this boost. Southern voters will understand eventually.
I’m surprised no one is talking about how PPRP was sidelined. Doesn’t that seem suspicious?
Maybe because PPRP and Gen Prawit have been causing more trouble than good.
True, but exclusion is not the answer. They should at least have a chance to prove they can cooperate.
To me, this coalition symbolizes hope and a fresh start for Thailand. Old rivalries must end for the country to move forward.
Anyone else worried that this is just a setup for more corruption? The parties involved have scandalous histories.
Tida Tawornseth’s comments are spot-on. Pheu Thai sold out for power.
Politics always involves some level of compromise. It’s unrealistic to expect purity in governance.
I am concerned about Democrat supporters in the South. Will they really buy into this coalition?
I doubt it. This will create a lot of internal strife within the party.
The exclusion of PPRP is clearly a strategic move against Gen Prawit’s faction. Not sure if it’s a smart one.
Strategic, yes. Smart? We’ll see.
Pheu Thai inviting the Democrats is like inviting your worst enemy to dinner. Let’s see how long this truce lasts.
Interesting comparison! I give it six months before something gives.
Oh please, it’s not that dramatic. They will find a way to make it work.
I don’t understand why they had to invite the Democrats. Couldn’t they form a government with other parties?
Other parties may not have the same reach and influence. It’s all about strategic alliances.
This coalition could be a ticking time bomb. Too many conflicting interests.
Involving so many factions will just lead to chaos. Mark my words.
I feel it’s a shame politics is tearing us apart when it should be serving the people.
How can anyone think this coalition will last? Too much bad blood between these parties.
True but sometimes old adversaries make the best partners since they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Is anyone going to talk about the elephant in the room? What does Thaksin think about all this?
Thaksin’s shadow looms large, that’s for sure. His influence is undeniable.
Honestly, with such deep-rooted issues, forming any coalition seems like a miracle.
A coalition with the Democrats? Ha! The Pheu Thai must really be desperate.
Or maybe they’re just being pragmatic. Sometimes you have to team up with the unlikely allies to achieve goals.