PUBLISHED: August 29, 2024, 19:46
The Democrat Party has made headlines by agreeing to join the coalition government led by Pheu Thai, marking a significant shift from their previous stance as rivals.
During a recent vote, Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on, along with party executives and MPs, decided in favor of joining the coalition, although some members abstained and others were absent from the meeting.
The coalition invitation came after Pheu Thai opted to part ways with the Palang Pracharath Party due to internal strife.
It is noteworthy that the Democrat Party has not won a general election since the rise of Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai party in 1998. Former leaders, such as ex-prime minister Chuan Leekpai, have historically opposed any collaboration with Pheu Thai, fearing that it could diminish the party’s long-standing reputation, which dates back to its founding in 1946.
Defending the decision, newly elected deputy leader Dej-id Kaothong stressed the importance of adapting to the current political climate. “All should understand that the situations in the past and present are different,” he remarked following the cabinet invitation from Pheu Thai.
However, the move has sparked disappointment among many core party members and supporters. Sirichok Sopha, a veteran ex-MP for Songkhla, publicly announced his resignation just before the final decision, highlighting irreconcilable differences in political ethics and party strategies.
Concerns arose that Sirichok might not be the only member to leave; he expressed the belief that he may be among the last to depart after a recent wave of resignations from longstanding members.
Watanya Bunnag, a prominent Democrat member, raised additional concerns about the impact of this coalition on party loyalty. In a recent social media post, she urged those MPs backing the alliance to uphold their responsibilities to voters and maintain essential checks and balances, warning that this collaboration could severely undermine the trust held by the party’s supporters.
Watanya emphasized the historical significance of the Democrat Party, stating, “Even though the Democrat Party has not won the election in over two decades and has faced extensive political challenges, it has never previously compromised its integrity.”
