The Democrats agree to remain with the government

The executive committee of the Democrat party decided last night, by 19:7 votes, to remain with the government coalition, without negotiating for more cabinet seats in the forthcoming cabinet shakeup, following the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai party.

The party said, in a statement issued last night, that the party decided to remain so the government can carry on with its administration and tackle the problems currently faced by the country.

The party called on the government to review its role and position regarding Cambodia earnestly, in order to protect the country’s sovereignty, prestige and national interests to restore public confidence, according to the statement. The party also urged the government to be receptive to divergent views.

An informed party source said, however, that at least three deputy party leaders have hinted that they may reconsider their roles in the party, following the decision to stay remain a member of the Pheu Thai coalition.

United Thai Nation Party Leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga told the media last night that he was assigned by the party’s executive committee to speak with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, before there is a decision as to whether to remain in the coalition.

An informed party source said the committee is concerned that, if there is a House dissolution and a subsequent general election, the opposition People’s party may win a landslide and become the core party in the formation of the next government.

The committee also proposed that the Pheu Thai party should replace Paetongtarn with Chaikasem Nitisiri, a previous candidate for the premiership, to ease political tensions.